Music plays an important part in many of our daily lives. But did you know that music plays an equally important part in the lives of your elderly loved ones? In fact, studies have shown that it’s beneficial to listen to music as you age for various reasons. Music for the elderly can improve health and overall well-being, enhances cognitive function, reduces stress, and even boosts memory.
Keep on reading to find out what are some benefits of listening to music even as you age and how it can be beneficial for your loved ones.
Improves Health and Overall Well-being
Studies show that listening to music promotes better health and overall well-being in people as it encourages physical activities and improves the quality of sleep, helps you cope with pain, and speeds up recovery time after an illness or surgery. It also improves coordination and mobility.
Improved Cognitive Function and Boosts Memory
Studies have shown that when you listen to music that relates to a particular place, time, event, or emotion that’s of importance and meaning to you, certain parts of the brain such as the medial prefrontal cortex which is known to support the memory function becomes stimulated. As such, music therapy has been said to be helpful as it stimulates brain activity, boosting the memory of people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Furthermore, attending regular music lessons can help boost memory and processing speed in just a few months. At Discovery Village At Alliance Town Center, our SHINE Memory Care Program is designed to meet the needs of our residents with Alzheimer’s or Dementia by providing assistance with daily activities, medical monitoring, and keeping them engaged with enriching activities.
Psychological Benefits
It is said that people who listen to music have a much happier and more positive outlook on life, and this applies even as you age. This is due to the fact that music has been shown to enhance moods and interest in things. If you or your loved one has depression or a bleak outlook on life, listening to music can definitely help in channeling positive emotions and thoughts. Moreover, if your loved one has Alzheimer’s or Dementia, listening to music can help them with communication. As for the choice of music, it can either be a relaxing piece of classical music or a song that triggers a memory from when they were younger.
Reduces Stress
If your loved one is feeling stressed and agitated, having them listen to classical music or a song that’s meaningful to them can help them settle down as music has been shown to make people feel more relaxed and calm while reducing anxiety.
How You Can Integrate Music Into Your Everyday Life
By integrating music into their everyday lives, not only will their communication, memory, and socialization improve, but their overall quality of life will definitely have a more positive outlook. With technology at our fingertips, it’s really easy to integrate music into the everyday life of your loved ones. You could start by creating a playlist filled with songs that your loved ones loved listening to when they were younger. Alternatively, you could bring them to a live concert by their favorite musician, or a classical music concert.
