Everybody loves music! It is a systematically arranged set of sounds that are pleasing to the ears and just strikes your chords in a major way but did you know that music can be used as a powerful tool to improve seniors’ memories? Certainly so. Deeper than words, music reached down into the depths of the soul to provoke emotions, stir up feelings and evoke memories.
Music has the potential to be a powerful form of medicine for aging adults, especially those with age-related memory issues. It has the power to evoke strong memories, stimulate the mind, reduce stress, improve moods, and even encourage socialization.
Improve Your Cognitive Abilities
Musical skills are some of the last cognitive abilities that are affected by memory loss. This is one of the most powerful reasons why singing and listening to music can help increase cognitive processing speed. Research has shown that listening to music or singing familiar songs can delay speedy deterioration of the mind and mental processes.
Studies have also suggested that music can help access memories that may have been lost due to age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. This is ground breaking for residents of memory care who have access to activities that utilize music. This power to evoke emotions by reminding people of past events further makes it a powerful tool for improving seniors’ memories.
Revamp Your Social Life
Another great way that music helps aging adults is that it can be the best conversation starter. People say that music is a universal language as it has sparked discussions that evolved into meaningful friendships or more. It connects people on a deeper level because of its spiritual nature. In this way, aging adults can benefit from an improved social life.
Furthermore, music serves as a bonding factor, connecting them with friends and family. As a result of being able to share veritable moments with others through music, you will be able to easily relate with other residents in your retirement community. This fosters communication, support and socialization.
Sharpen Your Coordination and Mobility
Surprising to some, music may help golden agers access certain parts of the brain that are involved in coordination and movement. This is revolutionary because a sharp mind equals a sharp body, especially when all bodily functions are still intact. When an aging adult has their coordination in check, their movements are more aligned and balanced. Better balancing prevents many risks of falls or trips that may lead to fatal injuries or worse.
Liven up Your Mood
Stress is a top cause of hypertension, stroke and high blood pressure in aging adults. To know that music is an effective stress reliever is empowering. Similarly, aging adults who suffer from depression can benefit a lot from the power of music. The resultant effect is a brighter mood that reintroduces productivity into a person’s life.
It is a well known fact that people let go of their inhibitions, fears, hurts and release themselves when they listen to music that they love. In this way, music can provide healing, therapy, reduce anxiety and cause people to experience well being and wholeness.
Enhance Your Brain Stimulation
Listening to music and engaging in musical activities can be a great way for golden agers to improve their memories and overall quality of life. This is because music engages the brain and provides the kind of brain stimulation that reduces agitation and pain, and improves sleep quality and mental alertness.
Strengthen Your Mental Health
An evocation of strong memories and emotions is another effect that music has on people and aging adults are not left behind. In fact, they are likely to experience it more than youths because they have a wealth of memories garnered over many years. Imagine being able to relieve wonderful moments through a soul striking tune. Not only will it strengthen mental health but it will give golden agers an even stronger will to keep making more beautiful memories.
