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How Music Can Benefit Elderly Care

July 26, 2022
There is no question that music plays an important role in our lives and affects us deeply. Music enriches our lives from infancy to old age, making life more meaningful for each of us. There is no doubt that this is especially true when it comes to elderly care. Many elderly people are able to benefit from music therapy, including improved moods and a reduction of anxiety due to its many benefits. In addition to stimulating the memory and cognitive functions of the brain, music is also capable of improving the recall of memories as well. Those living in isolated or group settings can also benefit from music as a way to connect and interact socially. Senior care facilities can provide their residents with an opportunity to enjoy music therapy programs and relieve the challenges that come with aging, things that can be very beneficial for their residents.

Is music going to be a part of your elderly care plan in the near future? Continuing to read this article will provide you with information on how music therapy can improve the quality of life for elderly people.
 

How Does Music Therapy Work?

Caregiving is both a challenging and rewarding job. When caring for the elderly, it is often challenging to keep residents engaged and mentally sharp. Using music therapy to improve the minds and health of the elderly is becoming more and more popular among caregivers. Through the use of music, music therapy aims to improve cognitive function and emotional well-being. A great way to boost elderly patients' mental abilities is with music therapy, which boosts morale and mental acuity. It is possible to conduct individual or group therapy sessions using live or recorded music. It is common for therapists to recommend calming or energizing music to their patients based on their individual needs. A music therapy program can improve the quality of life for elderly residents in any care facility.
 

Why is Music Therapy Beneficial for Seniors?

For many years, music therapy has been helping elderly care facilities improve the quality of life of their residents and this trend is set to continue. Music therapy has been shown to be effective in providing care to the elderly, and its benefits are plentiful.

You may wonder, in what ways does music therapy work? It is music's unique ability to evoke memories and emotions when it is used for the purpose of helping elderly people deal with the challenges of aging. You may relate to this when you hear a certain song and it brings you back to a happy memory. The loss of friends and family members causes many elderly people to feel lonely and isolated. Boosting their mood and making them more optimistic can be achieved by listening to positive music that evokes happy memories. Furthermore, music can reduce anxiety and depression.

The benefits of music therapy in the elderly extend not only to emotional wellbeing but also to cognitive functioning. Music has been shown to improve memory, concentration, and attention span. People with dementia or Alzheimer's disease can benefit greatly from music therapy, because it is particularly effective in treating these conditions. Listening to a familiar tune regularly can trigger memories and stimulate cognitive activity.
 

Why Should You Consider Music Therapy?

Music has always been known to be a powerful healer. Low blood pressure, less anxiety, and increased social connections are all benefits of music. As well as helping the elderly deal with loneliness, depression, and memory loss, music has also been shown to help them deal with depression. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health found that music therapy helps older adults live healthier lives.

A good elder care plan should always include music. Here’s why:

1. Seniors Experience Less Anxiety and Stress

It is without a doubt that music therapy is increasingly popular as a means of reducing seniors' stress and anxiety. Music therapy has been successfully used in elderly care facilities throughout the world, and many of them have incorporated it into their care plans as well. A number of studies have proven that music therapy is beneficial for lowering blood pressure, improving heart rate and respiration, and reducing stress hormones. Along with improving cognitive function and lowering the risk of falling, music therapy can also improve memory. Seniors can benefit significantly from these programs. Music therapy is affordable, non-invasive, and most importantly, effective. With more seniors and caregivers becoming aware of its benefits, music therapy's popularity is likely to continue to grow.
 

2. Music Increases Happiness

People often perceive the elderly as frail and in need of constant care, although seniors can often be quite independent and manage quite well on their own. It is possible, however, that people may begin to experience changes in their moods as they age. The absence of family or friends nearby may lead to them feeling isolated and lonely, especially without relatives to provide support if they are alone. Music therapy has been found to be an effective way to improve seniors' moods, boost their social interactions, and improve their overall life satisfaction, according to a recent study. A number of elderly care facilities offer music therapy programs to their residents, which notably increases their interest levels. The benefits of music therapy for seniors have become increasingly popular as a result.
 

3. Enhanced Memory and Cognitive Function

Music therapy is a great way to combat dementia since it helps the elderly process and maintain their memories. With aging, seniors typically experience a decrease in cognitive abilities and memory recall. It is possible for injuries or accidents to happen due to this, which can have a detrimental effect on a person's quality of life. For the elderly, music can evoke strong memories, places, and events, making it a pleasurable experience. People with dementia are commonly encouraged to listen to music that evokes memories of their childhood, thereby creating a positive response.
 

4. Enhanced Creativity

Aging can present physical and mental challenges for our loved ones. Elderly people are becoming increasingly interested in music therapy as a powerful means of expressing themselves and exploring their creativity. Using music can create positive, and memorable experiences for seniors, allowing them to connect with their emotions. It is also possible that music therapy could provide a creative outlet for individuals who are unable to express themselves in other ways. Music therapy has numerous benefits for elders living in assisted care facilities. By helping elders connect with their emotions and creativity, music therapy can improve their quality of life.
 

5. Increased Social Interaction

Elderly care facilities can often be overwhelming and confusing to patients who are seeking care. When so many people are coming and going from the facility, it can be difficult to keep track of everyone's names and faces. The result can be a decline in mental and physical health because of feelings of isolation and loneliness. As a way of promoting social interaction among elderly patients, you can use music therapy as a means of enhancing social interaction. There is no doubt that music has an impact on everyone, regardless of their age or background. Using music therapy to express one's self creatively and non-verbally is a valuable tool for patients who are struggling with their mental health. Patients benefit from social interaction during music therapy sessions since they feel more connected to others and their mood improves.
 

Call BrightStar Care of Howard County Today!

Music can provide many benefits to senior citizens as well as caregivers when it is incorporated into a senior care plan. Apart from being incredibly simple, it provides significant benefits for seniors and is relatively inexpensive. Don't forget to include music when planning elderly care!

Get in touch with us today if you would like to learn more how our home and medical facility caregivers can help you or a loved one maintain independence and dignity. We are also available by phone at (410) 910-9425. We look forward to hearing from you soon!