Is Music Beneficial For Seniors?

The universal power of music is very well-known. Indeed, many of us are music lovers and can attest to its power. Think about how you feel when you hear your favorite song, or when you hear a piece of music that truly moves you.  Music elicits a range of emotions, thoughts, and feelings within us, and it can even remind us of long-forgotten memories, especially for older adults. In this blog, our team discusses the power of music and how it can be very beneficial for seniors. 

Music Reduces Stress And Anxiety

Many of us deal with stress and anxiety on a daily basis and finding effective ways to manage it can be challenging. One of the many benefits of music is that it can reduce stress and anxiety, which is especially important for seniors who may be dealing with health challenges. Listening to music elicits positive emotions, allows us to temporarily forget about our problems, and instils feelings of calm and peacefulness. 

If you or an older loved one are feeling stressed or anxious, try listening to your favorite album or the soundtrack from a film you love. It’s a great way to ground yourself and help your mental health. 

Music Leads to Dancing

Dancing is a fun and active way to express yourself. As we age, we must stay active and continue moving to keep our bodies and our minds healthy. Some people enjoy listening to music and dancing while tidying up around the house, while others enjoy taking dance classes like salsa dancing or ballroom dancing to learn a new skill while experiencing new musical genres. 

For seniors with difficulty standing for long periods, chair dancing is a great alternative. You can still get your groove on while sitting down! Whether you’re an experienced dancer or you have two left feet, dancing is something that everyone can enjoy…so put on your favorite album and get moving!

Music Can Improve Memory

Many older adults struggle with memory issues as they get older, and music is often used to unlock certain memories from various stages of life. People with dementia and Alzheimer’s are often treated with music therapy because it helps them remember certain things from their past. 

When someone is struggling to recall memories, or they’re having difficulty communicating, listening to music from previous decades of their life can help them feel connected to themselves again, and can reduce their agitation and stress.

It Can Be Motivating 

There’s a reason why exercise classes play certain types of music, and there’s a reason why movies and TV shows carefully choose their soundtracks. If you’re struggling to find the motivation to get up and do something, try putting on some fast-paced music – you’ll likely feel more energized, more motivated, and ready to spring into action. 

Music brings people of all ages together, and it can be especially beneficial for older adults. Listening to music you love makes you feel happy, positive, motivated, and energetic, and gives you an overall feeling of well-being. 

If you’d like more information about how music is beneficial for seniors, or if you have any questions about the wide variety of engaging activities UMC residents enjoy, please contact our team today. We look forward to hearing from you and maybe welcoming you soon. 

To learn more, please visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/is-music-beneficial/