David Morey 
Music has a profound impact on mental and physical well-being. It is a powerful force and can evoke heartwarming memories. In the past century, research in the field of music therapy has tremendously increased. There are various benefits of music therapy for seniors or older adults.
Here’s a brief overview of music therapy, what it is, and how it can improve seniors’ quality of life.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy refers to the process of gaining health and therapeutic benefits by drawing on the power of music. The sound, rhythm, and harmony produced by musical instruments help reduce stress. Prior knowledge of musical instruments is not necessary to take part in music therapy.
Research indicates that listening to music activates various parts of your brain, especially those responsible for memory, emotions, and motor skills.
Most professionals engage participants in two types of music therapies:
- Active Music Therapy: As the name indicates, active music therapy involves learning to play musical instruments. It also involves singing and dancing to encourage physical stimulation.
- Receptive Music Therapy: It is concerned with mindfully listening to music. It can lift your mood and boost happiness.
Music Therapy for Seniors
Music therapists assess the needs, challenges, and goals of the participants and create a plan for them to achieve maximum benefits. If you’re looking to enroll yourself or a loved one in a music therapy session, look no further than your retirement living facility. State-of-the-art facilities, such as Verve Senior Living, have music therapy experts to improve the quality of their residents’ lives. Here are three health benefits of music therapy for seniors:
Provides Physical Health Benefits
Music therapy is the perfect opportunity for older adults to stretch, walk, and dance. This will lead to long-term physical health benefits including:
- Muscle relaxation and strength
- Joint mobility and flexibility
- Maintaining blood pressure
- Coordination
- Heart health
Music therapists have specific exercises to help seniors immerse themselves in the activity, taking away attention from their pain or discomfort. As a result, their pain management skills improve.
Improves Mental Well-being
Music allows people to let go of themselves and immerse themselves in their immediate environment. Such an activity can uplift mood and give a sense of comfort. It can also relieve stress and anxiety.
In recent years, depression has become quite common among older adults. This can be attributed to feelings of loneliness and lack of physical activities. Music therapy seamlessly integrates both motor functioning and mental engagement. Moreover, group music therapy fights loneliness and allows seniors to become a part of a community.
Helps People with Memory Loss
Did you know music is linked to memory? Throughout their lives, people associate different songs and artists with memorable life events. Music therapy is extremely beneficial for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. When older adults with such a condition engage in music therapy, they are reminded of positive memories.
Music can help with the production of brain chemicals such as melatonin, serotonin, and prolactin. All of these can reduce agitation, promote happiness, and boost overall mood.
