Music can spark a number of emotions, as well as provide cognitive, social benefits and physical to people of all ages. For seniors, music can reawaken the mind and uplift the heart. Music therapy at any age can even help motivate patients re-cover faster. Let’s take a closer look at how music therapy can help you heal.
The relationship between music and the brain is particularly unique. The benefits of listening to music are well documented in studies, showing clear advantages to an individual’s mental and emotional health. From infant development to senior care, music can evoke emotional responses to stimulate the mind and heal the body. Music Therapy can have positive effects on people with various health issues including:
So how does music therapy work? Well, there are not too many boundaries when it comes to music therapy. Most commonly, music therapy is done through playing music and listening. Most people enjoy listening and have a connection with certain songs. Another way music therapy is accomplished it through actually playing an instrument like a ukulele or an iPad. A music therapy session can be done almost anywhere. It can be used in a classroom to help students develop reading and language skills. Additionally, using music therapy with photos can also aid in stimulating creativity.
Music therapy is great for memory care seniors because it can provide numerous benefits. Here are some of the reasons why music therapy is important for memory care patients:
Music can evoke memories and elicit responses from seniors with dementia. We have especially seen positive reactions from elderly patients when they hear music from their pasts.
Our caregivers have noticed that even when someone is no longer able to speak, they still recognize songs from their past, and even sing or hum along.
Some elderly people experience agitation and emotional stress, especially when they feel like they are losing their mental faculties. Playing soothing music has calming effects, helping to improve emotional health.
The rhythm of music can help physical coordination when walking or exercising. You can help elderly loved ones develop more endurance and increase their mobility, even if it’s just toe tapping or clapping along.
Music can encourage social interaction, especially if played in groups. Maintaining social contact with others can be extremely important for seniors, especially if they suffer from depression.
At Spring Hills Senior Communities, we make sure that our seniors’ days are filled with joy and music, because to us, health care is not just physical; it is mental and emotional as well. We’ve organized sing-alongs and hosted special musical events. Some of our classes even have mood music playing in the background so they can sit back, relax and experience the benefits of music therapy.