Music has been called medicine for the mind due to its many significant mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. So, it’s no surprise that at St. Mark Village, with our Wellness Matters program, residents find multiple opportunities to engage in music, singing, performances, and more.
Harmony in aging: why music is so good for you.
Famed musician Elton John said, “Music is an outburst of the soul.” No matter what appeals to you most, be it jazz, blues, classical, reggae, or rock and roll, you probably can speak to how hearing certain songs can change your whole outlook and give you a lift. And singing or playing them can feel even better.
Here are just a few of the benefits of music and how it impacts your mind, body, and spirit:
1. Music is a workout for the brain. Simply put, music can make you feel good. It’s all about dopamine, a neurotransmitter that acts as a chemical messenger communicating messages between nerve cells in your brain and the rest of your body. Listening to music you enjoy fills your brain with dopamine. That helps to elevate your mood, reduce stress, keep you focused, and most likely, put a smile on your face.
Scientists say it’s because our brains are hard-wired for certain rhythms and melodies. When we hear music we enjoy, especially music that evokes positive memories from the past, our brain is further stimulated.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “There are few things that stimulate the brain the way music does. If you want to keep your brain engaged throughout the aging process, listening to or playing music is a great tool. It provides a total brain workout.”
2. Music helps you sleep. It’s back to dopamine again. Listening to music at bedtime releases dopamine, which means more good feeling and less tension, as well as less pain. In addition, listening to music helps lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.
Think about why young mothers and fathers sing lullabies to their restless infants. There’s just something about soothing music that helps us relax, slows our breathing, and allows us to fall asleep. Whether at six months or 60 years, humans respond to music in many positive ways.
3. Music brings people together. Even if you can’t carry a tune, the benefits of singing are worth exploring. Gathering with others to play music, sing, and perform is a wonderful way to make new friends and share positive experiences. Doing so builds teamwork and mutual support and helps create bonds that last. At St. Mark Village, our Fun Chorus gives all our residents a chance to sing and express themselves. No experience necessary!
Additionally, singing in a group provides an opportunity for healthy socializing which also provides emotional, mental, and physical health benefits. Participants enjoy a sense of community and belonging, especially important for those over the age of 55.
Related: The Importance of Socialization for Seniors and How Senior Living Can Help
4. Music lets you learn an instrument at any age. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never even tried to play music. The good news is there are easy instruments to play. For example, a drum. In fact, drum circles are very popular choices in senior living because they allow a person to express their feelings—sadness, joy, anger, fear, grief—in a simple manner, with little or no instruction.
Physical benefits also can include improved joint mobility, posture and motor skills, as well as reduced anxiety and depression. Other easy instruments to play are guitars and ukeleles. What makes them easy? They are portable. Good choices for improving dexterity. And by only knowing a few chords, you can play lots of songs. Plus, the ukulele has softer strings, a smaller fretboard and only four strings, making it even easier. It’s easy to carry around as well.
Other easy instruments to play are the harmonica (very portable) and of course, the human voice.
5. Music can enhance movement. A catchy rhythm tends to get your toes tapping. It can inspire dancing, even if it’s just a few simple steps. Several studies have demonstrated that even those with dementia often begin to move about when they hear their favorite songs. This is because the parts of the brain that store musical memories are not as affected by dementia until the later stages of the disease.
Music is good for you. And so is choosing a retirement address with so much to offer.
When you choose St. Mark Village, you not only benefit from the countless opportunities for companionship, lifelong learning, fun, peace of mind, and seamless access to future health care options, you have also chosen a location that is geared to keeping you active and involved.
Palm Harbor, Florida, is overflowing with activities and events that will satisfy your appetite for arts, culture, history, natural beauty and for sure, wonderful music. We invite you to learn more.
Take our Lifestyle Quiz to help discover what matters most to you in senior living or contact us. We’d love to hear from you.
