Music Can Heal the Soul
The potential benefits of music therapy are vast. Music therapy is a promising non-pharmacological intervention for seniors, helping improve cognitive and emotional functions. Improved language functioning, social engagement, and reduced agitation are potential benefits of music therapy. There is even groundbreaking research on the effects of therapeutic music for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Continued research on the effectiveness of music therapy will help refine and expand its practical applications.
Music, whether we are humming a melody, singing a song, playing an instrument or listening to the radio- can make us feel good. But a tune can do much more than put a smile on your face. Research has found that music can improve brain function and mental well-being, especially in older adults.
The benefits are found to be so powerful that hospitals, assisted living and independent living communities have incorporated music therapy programs. These programs feature specially trained music therapists who help patients engage with music in ways therapeutic to their needs.
The Sciences Behind How Music Affects Cognitive Function
When listening to music, you use several areas of your brain. As these different regions activate, your brain forms connections that help you function at your best. Music therapy can help the brain improve functions aiding you with areas of concern, such as memory loss, dementia, depression, and balance problems.
Improves Memory
Have you ever heard a song, and it reminds you of or even takes you back to a different time? Maybe you remember a fun night out when you went dating, or a high school dance. You might even recall a memory that was emotional, causing you to shed a tear. Those emotional responses are like exercise for your brain.
Manage Depression or Loneliness
About 14% of adults older than 60 have a condition, and depression is one of the most common issues. Music alone isn’t a treatment for depression, but in combination with other therapies it can help reduce the symptoms of this ailment. Simply listening to the style of music you like, can reduce sadness. Other studies have shown that adults who participate in group singing programs had decreased depression and less feelings of loneliness.
Music at Siena
At Siena our leadership team feels strongly about the benefits of music to not only heal our souls but improve our cognitive functions and bring joy and laughter into the lives of those we serve. Finding music in the day-to-day of Siena is not a hard thing to do. When you enter our community you are not only greeted by our helpful Reception Staff, but also by music playing overhead and all throughout the common areas of our home. As a part of our Siena family, you are offered opportunities to attend several social engagements where various musicians are invited to perform and enrich our lives with musical entertainment. One of our favorite things at Siena on Brendenwood in enjoying an evening at our courtyard concerts. In the center of our community, we have a lush courtyard, that offers serenity and much ambience. On these concert evenings, the sounds of the music playing, and birds chirping touches our souls.
If music and laughter is what you are looking for, then stretch your cognitive abilities and improve your brain functions at a karaoke party! Recently community members and staff took turns on the stage singing their favorite karaoke tunes while our audience listened, clapped hands and sang along to the songs they knew.
As noted earlier, singing in a group offers you decreased depression and less feelings of loneliness. If this is what you are seeking to accomplish, then taking part in our Siena Singers Choir is just right for you. Every Monday night, our group gathers, led by Dave Lantz, Resident Choir Director. These members learn new songs, practice old ones, and embellish in comraderies of a shared interest.
Knowing the importance of music, we have even been known to take the show on the road. Our community members have put together several talent shows and performed these over the years. One of our favorite memories was taking our show to local long-term care facilities and performing music for them on the “Longest Day” to fundraise for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Check out our Life Enrichment Calendar to see just how much music heals our souls at Siena on Brendenwood.
