According to recent research at British Columbia’s Simon Fraser University, “the brains of older adults feel a sense of reward when listening to music, even if it’s a song they don’t particularly like.” Sarah Faber, one of the researchers, says her work on how healthy brains respond to music as they age will help future research into Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“There’s a lot of interest in how to predict who might be going to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and then once people do develop Alzheimer’s and dementia, who is going to respond to treatment and what kind of treatment,” she said. “The brain is fascinating, but it doesn’t exist in a jar. It’s attached to a body, that’s attached to an environment, and community, and a social structure.”
We’ve long discussed the many benefits of learning to play, but there are also benefits to listening to music.
This week, we’re discussing some of those benefits as they pertain to the aging brain.
Benefits of Listening to Music for Older Adults
Listening to Music Improves Cognitive Function & Memory
A study originally published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience in October 2014 showed evidence that classical music improved overall cognitive function in older adults. Specifically, processing speed improved with high-tempo, upbeat music, and memory improved regardless of tempo. Listening to music pushes our brains to work hard to make sense of what we hear. This keeps the brain active and agile, improving memory and functions across the board.
Music Reduces Stress and Anxiety
For many, stress and anxiety are ever-present. But music can be a powerful tool to help control both. Several studies have shown that adults, and seniors in particular, report lower levels of stress and anxiety after listening to music. Listeners tend to focus on the music, not their current worries or concerns. Additionally, listening to music reduces heart rate and creates a sense of relaxation.
Improves Overall Mood
Everyone has experienced the power of music when it comes to mood; few things can improve one’s mood like a favourite song. Dozens of independent studies have shown that there is a powerful link between music and positive emotions. It has even been found that listening to “sad“ music improves mood, especially if the listener feels a connection to the song. There’s a cathartic experience at play.
Interestingly, this positive effect lasts longer than most people realize. Everyone has experienced a a pop of positive energy when they hear a great song at just the right moment. However, according to research, that positive feeling and the reduction in stress can last for up to two weeks.
Music Promotes Connection
One of the most important benefits older adults enjoy from listening to music is that it promotes socialization and connection with others. This is widely believed to be because music provides a common interest to share. We can easily create a deep bond when we share our love of music with others. This, in turn, makes it easier to form lasting friendships and relationships. Furthermore, music in public spaces, like concerts or local festivals, is already a social event. Here, music provides the reason to gather, and the appreciation of music creates the connection.
Music Encourages Physical Fitness
Everyone has experienced that certain lack of motivation when it comes to exercising. But add a little music, and suddenly, you’re pumped up and ready to go! Music adds a level of fun to the exercise. This is an essential tool for older adults who must stay active to stay healthy. Look for music that is upbeat and keeps you motivated to move!
Stroke Recovery
According to the American Heart Association, stroke survivors who listen to music during rehabilitation show significant improvements in strength and balance. What causes this is unclear, but it is believed that music helps patients access different parts of the brain. Music can also help the brain with movement and coordination while also reducing depression in stroke survivors.
Listening to Music Enhances Quality of Life
It’s clear that music improves mood and makes us feel good; it has a strong impact on our emotions. Moreover, music helps bring back happy memories and allows for self-expression. For all of these reasons, it shouldn’t be surprising that music is an exceptional tool for therapy.
Music therapy helps direct attention away from pain while easing it. Furthermore, as discussed, music reduces stress. Listening to music also helps with respiratory health, promoting rhythmic breathing.
All of the benefits discussed here, and more that we discover every day, contribute to an improved quality of life.
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