Music is more than a simple form of entertainment or something to just leave playing in the background. There are potential healing powers within the sounds your senior loved one listens to. Here’s a list of ways music therapy can benefit your loved one’s overall wellbeing.
Concentrating on Music Activates Memory
When seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia listen to music, it can create powerful emotional and mental associations by bringing up memories that might have otherwise stayed dormant. However, music won’t only help your loved one remember times past. If your loved one is directed to perform daily tasks to the sound of music, it can also help him or her remember how to accomplish those activities. Over time, music therapy used as a part of dementia care can enhance cognitive abilities.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional home care. Columbia families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
Playing Music Promotes Quality of Life
Music is often a communal activity. If your loved one lives alone or in a retirement community, learning to sing or play an instrument can be a bonding experience, and the memory skills used can keep his or her mind sharp. Studies have shown seniors who engage socially lead happier, healthier lives.
Listening to Music Relaxes the Mind & Body
The simple act of listening to music has a number of health benefits. Studies have shown this activity reduces stress levels, which can lower blood pressure and increase overall cardiovascular health. Concerts are a great way to reap the calming benefits of music. They offer a chance to concentrate fully on the music and provide the opportunity to interact socially afterward.
A home caregiver can help your loved one develop a variety of strategies for reducing stress. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Exercising to Music Boosts Physical Health
Swedish scientists conducted a study testing the effects of music on physical health in seniors. One group of seniors was asked to exercise with musical accompaniment, while a second group exercised without music. The first group demonstrated markedly better balance than the second one. This effect isn’t limited to single exercise classes. Over time, exercising with music can help your loved one gain better balance and fall less frequently. Because falls are one of the primary sources of injuries for seniors, increased balance is a great boon to their physical health.
If your loved one needs help with exercising and other essential tasks of daily life, consider hiring a home caregiver. In Columbia, elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Call us at 443-233-1245 to create a customized in-home care plan.
