In April, the Bellaire at Stone Port resident family enjoyed frequent mini piano concerts from our Director of Health and Wellness, Melinda. You can catch a clip of one such concert here.
Studies have shown that music is beneficial for seniors for a variety of reasons, nine of which are outline below:
- Improved cognitive function. Music has been shown to stimulate certain parts of the brain. Studies have also shown that music can even enhance the memory of those suffering from dementia. In fact, one particular study from UC Irvine shows that scores on memory tests of Alzheimer’s patients improved when they listened to classical music.
- Lessons can help boost memory. Older adults with or without previous music experience can benefit from taking music lessons regularly. Just three hours per week can help improve processing speed and memory in as little as three months!
- Past musical experience may contribute to healthy aging. A study conducted by Brenda Hann-Pladdy, a neuropsychologist, shows that playing an instrument in your youth leads to a sharper mind as you age. If you played an instrument at one point in your life, maybe it’s time to pick it back up and reap the benefits… mental, physical, and emotional.
- Involvement in or enjoyment of musical programs has a great effect on mental health. Music can help contribute to communication, sense of identity, and strengthening of social networks. Enjoying music with friends or loved ones brings them together and can have a therapeutic effect. Some studies have shown that older adults that enjoy music on a regular basis have an improved sense of their overall quality of life, too.
- Music is good for your ears. This might sound counterintuitive, but studies have actually shown that listening to music regularly can keep your ears healthy. The auditory cortex of the brain doesn’t experience the typical aging that leads to hearing loss in those that regularly listen to music.
- Tune out stress. Music can help reduce stress levels. It is now widely-known in many scientific communities that elevated stress levels are directly linked to many diseases.
- Beat depression. The Standard University School of Medicine observed 30 people over the age of 80 suffering from depression. Those that took part in weekly music therapy were less anxious, less distressed and had higher self esteem.
- Benefits Parkinson’s patients. Friedman discovered that hearing slow, steady rhythms can help those suffering from Parkinsons to move more steadily.
- Helps Alzheimer’s patients connect with loved ones. A study conducted in 1995 by Clair, Bernstein, and Johnson found that seniors suffering with dementia saw great improvements in their connection with loved ones just in weekly music therapy sessions.
Music has a way of connecting, releasing stress, and even bringing back memories from childhood and life’s big milestones.
There’s no doubt that music should be a big part of every senior’s daily life for many reasons.
Bellaire at Stoneport is proud to provide many opportunities for our resident family to enjoy and participate in music each and every day. Our activities calendar is always full of fun activities, and many of them revolve around music because of its many benefits and the true enjoyment our resident family gets from them.
Want to schedule a visit and experience the friendly, stimulating atmosphere for yourself? We’d love to show you around!