The Health Benefits Of Music Engagement As You Age

Using The Emotion Of Music To Improve Senior Health Outcomes

When you listen to a song from your teenage years, it is likely you will remember every single word to the chorus. In  his book "This is Your Brain on Music", neuroscientist Dan Levitin explains that the teenage years are ‘emotionally charged; in general, we tend to remember things that have an emotional component because our amygdala and neurotransmitters act in concert to “tag” the memories as something important’. Our bodies and brains go through a lot of changes as we age and it is encouraging to rediscover music during these years – it is comforting and familiar, yet at the same time engaging and motivating.

Unlocking Musical Connections

Listening to music from when you were a teen and young adult awakens memories and unlocks connections. These improvements may lead to positive health outcomes, such as better physical functioning and mental health.

This is the same for your loved one who is getting older, as music can connect them to their body, their mind and to you - the person or community who cares for them. If you sing along to a song together, your brains will release “feel-good” hormones. You and your loved one might move to the beat – a toe tap, a clap, a wave, a twist. The person you are spending time with can share a memory, you can listen to them tell you a story and dance alongside them. You might note improvements in posture, breathing, coordination, and confidence. Our brains love rhythm, and our bodies respond to it with ease.

The Power Of Song

Within a 3-minute song, you can observe engagement in: 

• Reminiscence 
• Exercise/movement 
• Self-expression 
• Cognitive stimulation 
• A social activity

Here are some key points to think about when you are listening to music with the person you care for: 

• Create a comfortable space for you to be in together – for example sitting on the deck in the warm
• morning sun or on the couch with a cup of tea. 
• Personal song preference is important. Pick something you both will enjoy. 
• Use a bluetooth speaker or good quality speakers to make the experience more pleasant. 
• Make playlists on your streaming platform so you can easily access music. This is especially helpful when you feel tired or are struggling to think of a song to play. Or look through the CD collection and pick out some favourites that you have on hand when you need it.
  

Growlife Medical's Registered Music Therapist

A Registered Music Therapist can further enhance engagement in music: 

• Live-music experiences that can subtly change to match the needs of the patient. 
• Opportunities for song writing and self-expression. 
• Development of a music program to use at home. 
• Emotional support using music to gently guide you.

Amy Cooper (see profile below), Growlife Medical's Registered Music Therapist, has guided many people in exploring their memories, connecting them to their community, and coaching them in new ways to participate in music activities.

Amy is proud to now be starting the CareMusic Program – A new and innovative music therapy program to connect older adults and their carers. Participants will encounter meaningful live music experiences and use music to address the challenges that arise in ageing. No previous music experience or learning is required.

More information is available about our CareMusic Therapy for older adults. To book CareMusic sessions with Amy, call 3154 2355 or email sherwood@growmedical.com.au