I will never forget the first time I witnessed the powerful effect that music can have in the life and experience of a senior adult.
I was teaching piano privately out of my home – primarily to children and teenagers. In looking for a place to hold our annual recital, the idea came to mind to host the event at a senior living community. On a Sunday afternoon, I brought my group of eager performers to a memory care community that had graciously agreed to allow us to perform. The staff gathered the residents in the large dining room, and my students began to play and sing their pieces.
To watch the transformation of the residents was nothing short of magical. Individuals who were slumped in wheelchairs gradually became more alert, more focused…with a clarity that had not been present prior. I watched as feet began to tap to the music, and mouths began to form words. I watched as the group of seniors became proud grandparents, applauding after each piece.
Even more magical was to watch the interactions when the performance was done, as the children went into the small crowd to introduce themselves and thank the residents for listening. Conversation took place, interaction was at a level higher than when we had first arrived.
The experience was beautiful, one I will never forget – and ultimately was the catalyst that pivoted me to a career in senior living as a dementia care practitioner and trainer.
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Why is music so important in the life of a senior?
Music is a form of fitness for the brain. Listening to – and performing music, causes several areas of the brain to activate. When we remember a familiar song after hearing even a small piece of it, we activate our hippocampus. When we clap our hands or tap our toes we create rhythm – working our motor cortex and cerebellum. We recognize tones by using our auditory cortex – and the list goes on and on.
Music promotes “feel good” chemicals. Studies have shown that when we listen to music we enjoy, it triggers a release of dopamine to our brains. Dopamine promotes feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, motivation, and overall well being. Increased dopamine can improve sleep, anxiety and depression. Music can be a wonderful chemical – with no side effects!
Music is a way to connect to others. When we do an activity with others, there is an automatic sense of community – and community is vital to well being. It’s no surprise that individuals in bands or choirs tend to form close friendships with each other. Some of my dearest friends are ones that I have had music experiences with – working towards a common goal. Music can be a wonderful shared experience.
The benefits of music are vast, and it is vital that we incorporate music into the fabric of senior living.
If you would like to learn more about starting a music program in your community, contact mary@musicforlife.care for free resources.
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