Music to Your Ears Is Also Good for Your Health

As people age, they often experience a decline in physical and mental health, which can lead to depression, isolation, and a diminished quality of life. However, music therapy has been found to be an effective way to improve the health and wellbeing of seniors.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is a form of therapy that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. It is based on the idea that music has the power to affect the brain and body in positive ways. Music therapy can be delivered in a variety of settings, including hospitals, senior homes, rehabilitation centers, and community centers.

Music therapy can take many forms, including singing, playing instruments, listening to music, and creating music. 

Benefits of Music Therapy for Seniors

One of the primary benefits of music therapy on seniors is that it can improve their mood and emotional wellbeing. Research has shown that music can activate pleasure centers in the brain, and as a result, listening to music can release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of pleasure and happiness. Music therapy can also be used to address negative emotions, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. For example, a study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that music therapy was effective in reducing depression and anxiety in older adults with dementia.

Music therapy has also been found to be effective in reducing pain and stress in seniors. According to a study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, music therapy can help reduce pain and anxiety in patients with cancer. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Holistic Nursing found that music therapy was effective in reducing stress levels in seniors. The study found that seniors who participated in a music therapy program had lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that is associated with stress.

Music therapy can also improve cognitive function in seniors. Research has shown that music can stimulate areas of the brain that are involved in memory, attention, and language. For example, a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that music therapy improved cognitive function in seniors with dementia. The study found that seniors who participated in a music therapy program had better scores on cognitive tests than those who did not.

Music therapy can also enhance social interaction in seniors. Many seniors experience social isolation, which can lead to depression and other negative health outcomes. Music therapy provides an opportunity for seniors to connect with others and engage in a shared activity. For example, a study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences found that music therapy improved social interaction in seniors with dementia. The study found that seniors who participated in a music therapy program had more social interactions with staff and other residents than those who did not.

Music therapy can also increase physical function in seniors. Many seniors experience physical decline as they age, which can lead to a loss of independence and a diminished quality of life. Music therapy can help seniors maintain or improve their physical abilities. For example, a study published in the Journal of Music Therapy found that music therapy improved physical function in seniors with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study found that seniors who participated in a music therapy program had improved lung function and physical endurance.

Music therapy can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of seniors. It can improve mood and emotional wellbeing, reduce pain and stress, improve cognitive function, enhance social interaction, and increase physical function.