Everyone knows the benefits of music, but what about its therapeutic uses? Many seniors find that their quality of life improves when they play music. Especially since music is not just a form of entertainment, but more importantly, it has the power to enhance moods and increase endurance levels. If you’re one of those senior citizens looking for assistance, consider asking about music therapy in your senior home. In this blog post, we will discuss the various benefits that music therapy can provide for seniors living in senior assisted living near me.
1.) It Has Healing Powers
Unlike ordinary music, the music played during a music therapy session is usually the kind that will help with healing. Some believe that it can heal physical ailments, rekindle lost memories and even improve memory function in some. Of course, the effect varies depending on the person, but regardless of your age or condition, it is still worth giving it a try so you can experience its benefits.
2.) A Good Distraction From Pain
Music is a good distraction and can help you deal with stress, anxiety, and other emotions, which are likely to be experienced in an elderly home. Some seniors in the elderly home may play the music on a loop, which can be quite difficult for others to put up with, especially if they do not like the music being played. By opting for music therapy, you will have a much better chance of enjoying time spent with your fellow residents in or out of senior assisted living near me.
3.) Decrease the Physical Limitations
With advancing age, you are likely to experience some physical limitations. Fortunately, music therapy can help improve your stamina and strength by increasing blood flow to the heart and muscles. In addition, it helps preserve muscle function as blood supply, and energy-sustaining nutrients are boosted to bring chagrin back into motion. It is also said that listening to music can decrease pain caused by arthritis.
4.) Improved Sleep
Like most forms of music, classical music will make you sleepy. However, while listening to it through headphones, some senior citizens experience a night of deep, sound sleep. If you have been experiencing insomnia or sleeping problems, this could solve your problem. It helps relax the mind and body and prepares you for restful slumber. In addition, it can help improve your morning mood when you wake up.
5.) Ease Depression
Music is among the best stress relievers. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your own choice of music or the selection being played for you during a music therapy session; some studies show that it does help improve mood. In addition, it is also known to help curb feelings of anxiety and grief in some individuals. So there’s no better time to try out these benefits, especially if you’ve been feeling depressed or dealing with anxiety or grief.
6.) Exercise Through Music
Music can help you exercise when living in senior assisted living near me. In fact, it can be used for some physical activity that’s been difficult for you to perform before. You will soon realize that playing the guitar or other musical instruments can help you move your body in ways you may never have thought possible. The great thing about it is that music doesn’t need to be loud and full of energy. It can still be as soothing as a lullaby or uplifting as a triumph song. You can choose the level of intensity that’s right for you.
7.) Improved Health
There are many studies conducted on the effects of music therapy on various conditions. It is known to help improve health and alleviate dementia and physical ailments, such as asthma, hypertension, and heart problems. It can also prevent disorders such as depression, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Studies found that music therapy could even support people with Parkinson’s. In addition, some believe it can be used to help individuals who have attempted suicide.
8.) Improved Concentration
Music therapy is said to improve concentration in the elderly. In addition, it helps seniors retain their memory as well as improve their focus and attention span. Many people say that this is why they still continue to play music even when they can no longer sing or play instruments themselves.
9.) Improved Mobility and Balance
Music can help you improve your balance and mobility, which are important in the elderly home. If you don’t feel like walking but still want to exercise, turn on some music in your headphones. Music will help increase your heart rate and may even give you a short burst of exercise that’s perfect for the elderly home. It can also help improve your coordination, making it easier for seniors to move around the house or garden.
10.) It Boosts Confidence
Music therapy can help boost an older individual’s confidence level. If you were once a shy person, music might be able to help give you the courage needed to tackle new challenges in life. Studies have shown that listening to classical music can improve self-confidence and satisfaction levels in older adults. Music therapy can also help lift depression and improve your confidence even if you’re not feeling particularly good about yourself.
11.) It Can Assist the Elderly With Memory Loss
Many situations may result in an older individual experiencing memory decline. This may be caused by disease or even medication. Many studies have proven that listening to music can improve memory in the elderly and people with Alzheimer’s. It has also been proven that it can help improve cognitive function, which is important for a senior with dementia.
12.) It Can Improve Emotional Welfare
It is common for the elderly to experience emotional distress, loneliness, and depression. In most cases, their favorite time of the day is after they have finished cleaning up the house or cooking a meal. Music therapy might be able to help the elderly experience happiness at those times by playing their favorite music or by creating songs based on their favorite memories. It may even inspire them to get out and do things again if they had not been doing them before.
Conclusion
Music therapy is one of the fastest growing areas in medicine today. It’s becoming increasingly more important for those running their own businesses or working for large companies. Music therapists in senior assisted living near me can help by assisting in times of stress, anxiety, and depression. The bottom line is that music therapy makes a lot of sense when it comes to getting the most out of your music.