Studies show music can be a gamechanger for the elderly

Music is more than a soothing pastime in old age. It is a subtle stimulus that can keep you happy and arrest your mental decline.

It is like your mind’s defence against age-related brain damage. Playing music or even just listening to it seems to build up cognitive reserve.

You may want to know what is cognitive reserve? According to Harvard Health School, “Cognitive reserve is your brain’s ability to improvise and find alternate ways of getting a job done.  It reflects how agile your brain is in pulling in skills and capacities to solve problems and cope with challenges.”

For the elderly a proper cognitive reserve can be a game changer. Says Harvard Health, “People with greater cognitive reserve are better able to stave off symptoms of degenerative brain changes associated with dementia or other brain diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or a stroke.”

This is where playing or listening to music can make a difference. You don’t need to be a rockstar; even short-term musical training has shown cognitive benefits for the elderly.

Then there’s the fascinating idea of “brain plasticity.” Essentially, our brains can change and adapt, and music plays a role in this. Dr Shahram Heshmat writing in Psychology Today, says, “Evidence shows that even short-term musical interventions can promote brain plasticity and increase grey matter volume (Marie, 2023). For example, in one study, adults aged 60 to 85 without previous musical experience showed improved verbal fluency and processing speed after a few months of weekly piano lessons.”

Don’t have the time for music lessons? No worries. According to Dr Heshmat, even passive exposure to background music, especially classics, can enhance cognitive abilities crucial for daily living in older adults. It’s like music becomes the soundtrack of our memories, opening doors to forgotten moments like weddings and school dances.

And let’s not forget the emotional power of music. It has the ability to stir strong emotions, alter moods, and even serve as an escape from the mundane. Engaging in musical activities also brings people together, promoting social contact, empathy, cooperation, and a sense of belonging.

In essence, music isn’t just a melody; it’s a powerful ally in the fight against the emotional and cognitive challenges that come with ageing. Whether you’re a trained musician or just someone who enjoys a good tune, bringing music into your daily life can work wonders.

This write up is based on the following two articles:

1. What is cognitive reserve? published in Harvard Health Publishing
2. How Music Can Keep Aging Brains Healthy published in Psychology Today

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