Music Can Lead to Better Quality of Life
Music has a powerful impact on our lives. A line of lyrics or a snippet of a tune can generate very specific memories. A pop tune from your high school days might bring back the fun of cruising around town with friends. A hymn might fill you with memories of sitting in a church pew with your siblings. Those sing-song melodies of nursery rhymes might trigger times spent with your grandmother. Memory-infused tunes can instantly lift your mood and bring you joy. According to Mayo Clinic, music can provide enjoyment and entertainment, but it can also provide numerous health benefits (Mayo Clinic). WebMD adds that music provides healing effects for seniors in particular. “Older adults can especially benefit from listening to music, as it gives them an outlet for creativity, socialization, and mental stimulation. Music therapy has even become an effective treatment plan for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease.” (WebMD)
Mental Health Benefits of Music
Maintaining good mental health is essential to having a good quality of life. Many seniors have health issues, which come with chronic pain. Dealing with constant concerns about your health can lead to sadness and worry. Researchers have shown that music boosts mood and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. According to Kendra Cherry, MSEd, “Music can relax the mind, energize the body, and even help people better manage pain.” (VeryWellMind)
Cognitive Benefits of Music
In addition to boosting mental health, music also plays a crucial role in supporting cognitive health. Engaging with music can help sharpen memory and improve cognitive function. This is particularly beneficial for seniors facing memory challenges, as music can trigger memories and create a sense of continuity. People with Alzheimer’s or other dementia disorders can enjoy the beneficial effects of music long after they have lost the ability to communicate well. The centers of the brain involved in remembering and processing music stay intact until late in the course of the disease. (Northwestern Now) The Alzheimer’s Association says, “Even in the late-stages of Alzheimer’s, a person may be able to tap a beat or sing lyrics to a song from childhood. Music provides a way to connect, even after verbal communication has become difficult. (Alzheimer’s Association).
Flourish in Place receives free music boxes for our clients with dementia from the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center, Music Box Initiative. Ashley Gravatte of the ADRC creates personally designed boxes for our clients with dementia, which have music and simple instruments. Contact the center if you would like to order one. (ADRC)
Physical Health Benefits of Music
In addition to mental and cognitive benefits, music can improve physical health. Participating in musical activities like dancing or even tapping along to the rhythm can enhance physical activity and coordination. Music therapy can promote improved gait, hand functions, speech, for stroke victims. (FlintRehab) Music can get you moving, which can improve flexibility, heart health, bone density, and balance. The beneficial effects of music go on and on!
Turn Up the Tunes
In summary, music offers a wide range of healing effects for seniors, from boosting mental health and cognitive function to improving physical health and emotional well-being. It’s cheap, easy, and fun! So add some music into your life or the lives of seniors you love. Reap the benefits of significant gains in every day quality of life.
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