Music is a universal language. It transcends different cultures and backgrounds. Music can tap into our emotions and evoke intense feelings such as joy, sadness, nostalgia, and more. It is part of what makes music therapy in assisted living so useful.
According to research, music therapy can help improve a senior’s overall health and well-being. This post will explore some ways music therapy benefits residents in assisted living.
Benefits of Music Therapy in Assisted Living Communities
Relieving Stress
Playing or listening to music can help decrease stress. Along with decreasing stress, music can also help establish a more positive environment.
Another study showed that music helps relieve pain and improve immune system function. That means it could be helpful for seniors suffering from chronic pain. They also found that music is more effective in reducing anxiety levels than taking pain medications.
Promoting Social and Physical activities
Listening to upbeat music with catchy rhythms and beats promotes physical movement. These activities can improve cardiovascular health, bone density, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
Playing music, whether through instruments or simple actions like clapping or stomping, also has health benefits. It can improve concentration, keep the mind sharp, boost reflexes, and enhance memory retention. Above all that, music brings people together, making it great for social bonding.
Improving Speech and Communication
Music therapy helps prevent the deterioration of speech and language for seniors with dementia. Seniors with speech difficulties can regain their communication abilities through music therapy. Actions like singing words or phrases and tapping to a beat help enhance their speech production.
Music allows people to express themselves and help others understand their emotions without relying on verbal cues. It can be particularly helpful for people with difficulty expressing and conveying emotions.
Enhancing Memory
Seniors with dementia can use music to associate their past experiences and memories they’re fond of. Playing music they’re familiar with can unlock happy memories for seniors, which can help elevate their mood and decrease the risk of depression. While it’s not a permanent treatment, music is one of the tools that can help a senior’s quality of life.
Incorporating Music
With today’s technology, there are plenty of ways to incorporate music into a senior’s life. For example, you can use various music apps to create a personalized playlist for seniors. Assisted living communities can also invite local bands to play for the residents. Other ways include allowing seniors to learn and play instruments they’ll enjoy.
Spring House Senior Living
At Spring House, we understand that finding the right senior living community can be challenging. That’s why we offer a variety of amenities and services to cater to different needs and preferences.
Schedule a tour of one of our communities in Cartersville, Lithia Springs, or Louisville today. You’ll see why Spring House is the ideal choice for senior living.
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