CAFE’s Community Outreach projects focus on bringing our music to seniors. Does just listening to live music really improve the quality of their lives? Current research clearly says “YES!”
The relationship between music and seniors is a multifaceted one, with numerous studies highlighting the positive impact of music on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of older adults. Here, we delve into the various ways music can benefit seniors, supported by research findings.
Celebrating audience birthdays at Inspirations of Tempe Senior Community
Cognitive Benefits
Memory Enhancement
Music has been shown to enhance memory in seniors, particularly those with cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s and dementia. A study conducted at UC Irvine revealed that Alzheimer’s patients’ scores on memory tests improved when they listened to classical music19. This is likely due to music’s ability to stimulate parts of the brain associated with memory.
Cognitive Decline Delay
Engaging in music, whether through listening or practicing, can alter cognitive decline in healthy seniors by stimulating the production of gray matter in the brain16. A study from the University of Geneva, HES-SO Geneva, and EPFL found that music practice and active listening could prevent working memory decline and promote brain plasticity16.
Brain Health
Playing an instrument or singing in a choir is associated with better brain health in older age. Data from more than a thousand adults over the age of 40 indicated that engaging in music throughout life has a positive effect on brain health17.
Emotional and Mental Health Benefits
Stress Reduction and Relaxation
Music has been found to help seniors relieve stress and relax. Three-quarters of people aged 50 to 80 reported that music helps them in these ways, and 65% say it aids their mental health or mood20. The National Institutes of Health also notes that music can lower cortisol levels, which contribute to stress and anxiety18.
Mood Improvement
Music therapy has been effective in producing significant reductions in depression among seniors. When music is shared in a group setting, it can alleviate loneliness and foster enjoyment and relationships between seniors4.
Emotional Response and Nostalgia
Seniors often experience strong emotional responses when listening to music from their past, which can bring back memories and feelings of tenderness13. This emotional reactivity can be particularly pronounced with happy stimuli, potentially altering the emotional experience with different genres of music13.
Physical Health Benefits
Mobility and Exercise
Music promotes movement, which in turn boosts mobility. Hand and foot movement fostered by music therapy can assist seniors recovering from an injury, arthritis, or other chronic conditions5.
Pain Management
Music can lead to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, altering one’s perception of pain and making it more manageable1.
Social Benefits
Socialization and Community
Music therapy can break through social anxiety and allow seniors to relax and enjoy the company of others. Working as a team in a group music setting encourages and comforts those who may feel isolated2.
Communication Skills
Music therapy is a valuable tool for memory care residents, helping by slowing the decline of speech skills. Individuals who are no longer able to verbalize are inspired to communicate their feelings by humming or moving their hands2.
Lifelong Learning and Engagement
Continued Learning
Playing an instrument as a child leads to a sharper mind in old age. Those who had played an instrument for a decade or longer scored significantly higher on cognitive tests than those with no musical background19.
Engagement with New Music
Listening to new music challenges the mind in a way that familiar music does not, creating new neural pathways and keeping the brain young.In conclusion, music offers a wealth of benefits for seniors, from cognitive and emotional advantages to physical and social improvements. It is a powerful tool that can enhance the quality of life for older adults, providing a therapeutic and enriching experience that supports healthy aging.
