Elderly Music Activities
Bring Physical And Mental Benefits

Music has a profound effect on all of us and as it turns out, music may be able to prolong and improve the quality of life for senior citizens.

Elderly music activities are springing up in nursing homes across the country because they have proven to decrease agitation, stimulate memory, and even prevent falls.

Long after they have forgotten friend's names and familiar family faces, a beloved tune from youth can stimulate remembrance and a smile. Elderly music activities come in several forms from listening to the oldies, dancing for socialization, and even exercising to music. Many studies have been carried out on the affect music therapy has on the elderly, and the benefits are clear.

They say music soothes the savage beast and it appears to soothe agitated humans as well. Especially in group living situations where there is constant bombardment of noise and activity, music can have a calming influence on the residents and staff.

One study showed the Music of Mozart  in particular seemed to reduce depression and agitation in the elderly. Another study showed that elderly people, even those with dementia, benefited from listening to dance music and participating in dance. It stimulated socialization and triggered memories of earlier established patterns associated with dancing movements and social etiquette.

Elderly music activities can be combined with exercise in order to maximize benefits. One study on elderly residents in a group setting showed that those who exercised to piano music reduced the number of falls they experienced significantly. Exercising to music helped develop balance and improve gait. The results after six months showed the piano music exercising group experienced only 24 falls among 66 participants while the control group that exercised without music experienced 54 falls among its 68 participants. Music combined with exercise increased walking speed, stride length, and overall walking ability.

Elderly music activities should be tailored to each individual, much like exercise classes for the elderly. Those who are fully mobile should participate in social dancing on a regular basis or exercise to music. Exercises such as walking in time to the music and changing directions when the music changes, stimulate both the body and mind. Residents confined to wheelchairs can participate too by doing chair exercises in time to piano music. They can move their upper bodies, arms, and legs to the extent they are able. Even those confined to a bed and those with limited movement can benefit from listening to soothing music to help them stay peaceful and relaxed.

Elderly music activities can be instituted in group living homes at very little cost. Many homes have pianos and as long as someone knows how to play it, that's all that is needed. However, a full ranging music therapy program will be most beneficial. This includes purchasing music DVDs and equipment to play them on. At the very least, putting radios in resident's rooms can keep them connected to the magic of music every day.

To fully utilize the power of music for rehabilitation, a music therapist can develop a program designed to stimulate the mind while strengthening the body. Music therapy has been used to help stroke patients regain the ability to walk and has helped Parkinson's patients become steady on their feet. Music toning gives people unable to speak because of stroke or other brain injury a way to communicate with the world. Brain scan studies have been performed using CAT and PET scans that prove music has a neurological effect on those who listen to it and this can be channeled to help the elderly cope with or overcome some of the medical conditions they face due to aging and disease.

Whether it is a specific program developed by a music therapist or simply listening to the top hits from days gone by, music has a dramatic influence on all of us, especially the elderly who often have little else to occupy their time. The good thing is, you don't have to live in a nursing home or group home to benefit from the beneficial effects of music. Simply make music a part of your daily life to keep your mind and body stimulated. If you are a caregiver of an elderly person, try to include elderly music activities in your care plan as often as possible.

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