Music and Its Role in Mental Health for Seniors

As the weather gets cooler, days get shorter, and we spend more time inside it is easy to fall victim to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) also known as seasonal depression. To combat that, we recommend investing time in self-care to keep spirits up and the blues away in the colder months.

A great way to maintain mental health for seniors is by listening to music (and even making music, if you’re so inclined)! There are many reasons that music is great for older individuals and their mental health, including:

• Music can be calming - Slow tempos can ease a worried mind, promote better sleep and lead to an overall calmer demeanor. Relax and unwind with calming classical music or soundscapes for meditation.
  
  
• Music can encourage movement & exercise - Exercise is an important part of a healthy independent life for all of us, but especially seniors. Turn on some upbeat music and encourage the senior in your life to get up and move - whether thats dancing, walking or whatever type of exercise feels right.
  
  
• Music can help tap into forgotten memories - Music has the ability to take us back in time to a unique period of our lives. This can be comforting for seniors, especially those with dementia. We encourage caregivers to ask seniors to share stories from their youth while listening to music from this time for a special experience.
  
  
• Music can promote social interaction - Listening to music can be a great way to bond with others, especially if you are musically inclined and can make music together. Get together with friends, loved ones or grandchildren to play music together and make new memories.

For these reasons we highly encourage caregivers to incorporate music into a daily or weekly routine for seniors. Has music had a positive impact on someone in your life? We’d love to hear about it!