We all know the feeling when a song from your childhood comes on the radio and brings a smile to your face or a tear to your eye. It is a feeling that only music can evoke and it is powerful. Music offers us many benefits and for seniors in the elderly community, music can change a bad day to a good one. Here are some reasons why seniors should start introducing more music into their lives to feel good.

Memory

The connection between music and memory is undeniable. For seniors experiencing dementia, music has been proven to provide positive emotional and behavioral benefits. It is not uncommon for a senior with dementia to remember the lyrics to a song, a story, or an event related to a song. Sharing music with people with dementia is also a way for family and friends to feel a connection with their loved one.

Mental Health

Introducing music as a daily activity into senior’s lives can have a positive effect on their mental health. Music can evoke positive feelings or emotions from years prior that not only improve mood, but also trigger chemicals in the brain that can lower stress and anxiety. Put on some old time tunes and see how the mood changes.

Community

For many seniors, mobility is not easy, so finding activities that can be done while seated is crucial to keep the mind and body active. Music is a great way for seniors to come together and socialize while exercising and maintaining dexterity. Drum circles are a fun and easy way for seniors to play an instrument without any prior musical knowledge. If a senior already has prior knowledge of their way around an instrument, something like a pocket keyboard might be a great activity as well.

Dance

For seniors that are looking for more mobile activities, dancing to music is a fun and active option. Dancing to music not only improves the mood and reminds seniors of their bright past, dancing can raise the heart rate and release feel-good endorphins into the bloodstream. Dancing with friends and family provides an opportunity to feel close to your loved ones, especially when celebrating a birthday or anniversary. 

We hope this has inspired you to introduce more music into your life. Staying active in mind and body is important for seniors. If you or your loved one is looking for a senior living community, contact us to learn more about our program, and turn up the tunes!