As people age, the effects of dementia can gradually take over their lives and make it harder for them to communicate, form relationships, and enjoy life to the fullest. One way to combat these symptoms is by incorporating music into their lives to improve their mental health. As you’ll see from this guide, music for seniors’ mental health can do wonders to improve memory, reduce depression and anxiety, combat loneliness, and much more!
Improved Cognitive Function
Research has shown that seniors can benefit greatly from music therapy because it is a highly effective and flexible exercise method. Many aging loved ones today struggle with memory and cognitive problems, making it difficult to get outside, go on walks or be active. Music therapy provides a safe way for seniors to get moving again and improve their mental health. It’s also good for their physical health; studies have shown that music therapists can assess seniors for issues such as balance and coordination simply by observing the dance.
Lessons Can Help Boost Memory
Music is a good way to stimulate brain activity, particularly for older people who have trouble with day-to-day activities. Music can be used as a form of therapy for several health conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and it’s been proven to help with memory. Studies have shown that patients who participate in music programs show fewer signs of depression and anxiety than those who do not. There is also some evidence suggesting certain music styles can affect how well someone performs on cognitive tests. Those doing well often prefer soft music, while those with declining performance prefer louder tunes.
Music Is Good for Your Ears
Music stimulates your brain through a range of brainwaves, called neural oscillations. These waves can be characterized by their frequency and amplitude. Brain waves with different frequencies move through our brains in cycles called brain waves or oscillations. We experience these waves as different notes, rhythms, and melodies when we hear music. Different notes and rhythms can affect us depending on which parts of our brains they stimulate. It’s well known that listening to soothing music has been shown to help reduce stress levels and ease anxiety, but perhaps less well known is how much it can also help improve memory function.
Tune Out Stress
Studies have shown that music, particularly music with lyrics, helps people of all ages manage stress. Stress is a major contributor to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. By engaging both sides of your brain while you listen to your favorite songs (or new ones), you can help relieve stress and create space for positive emotions. Relaxing music often taps into a core feeling of peace and calm in listeners, which relaxes their minds and calms their bodies. The type of music you choose will depend on your mood or what you want to accomplish.
Beat Depression
Music is an amazing mood booster, no matter what your age. The right song can instantly put you in a better mood or give you a good rhythm for whatever you’re doing. It’s especially beneficial for seniors because it impacts their mental health. There are numerous ways that music benefits seniors’ mental health, from improving memory to lowering depression and reducing stress.
Benefits Parkinson’s Patients
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that causes motor problems. Symptoms include tremors, rigidity, and other trouble moving, sometimes with trouble walking. In addition to physical symptoms, people with Parkinson’s may also experience mental difficulties such as depression and anxiety, making everyday life challenging. An emerging body of research suggests that playing music for aging loved ones may help lessen depression and anxiety for Parkinson’s patients.
