No matter what age you are, music will always have an impact on you. It builds connections to important events in our lives which is why it’s effective in improving the memory of people with Alzheimer’s.

When it comes to seniors, listening to calming melodies benefits their physical and mental health.

Let’s take a look at how listening to music helps seniors:

1. Music Evokes Memories

Music has the ability to evoke emotion and bring back memories. Listening to music from the past helps Alzheimer’s patients recall things they’ve forgotten. Nostalgic music triggers neurological activity so the brain begins making connections once again.

Being able to remember events in their lives provides tremendous relief to patients with Alzheimer’s. Much of the confusion they deal with on a day-to-day basis stems from their inability to remember the simplest of tasks. Listening to music from their memory has the ability to improve their memory and keep them calm at the same time.

2. It Helps Them Build A Routine

Elderly individuals struggling with dementia and memory loss need a routine. Caregivers have found that pairing music with certain activities can help people suffering from memory loss develop routines and carry out daily chores. Listening to the same music every day as they go about their activities, allows them to build a routine which improves their quality of life.

3. It Gets You Moving

No matter what age you are, music will get you moving! Whether you’re just bobbing your head or swaying from side to side, music makes you want to move around. This is also why music is played in gyms and fitness classes.

By putting on the right music you can encourage elders to engage in physical activity. From basic aerobics exercises to power walking, music is a handy tool in all fitness classes.

4. Reduces Isolation

Elderly individuals are at increased risk of becoming isolated due the development of debilitating health conditions which restrict their ability to move around freely and also because they don’t have as many opportunities to socialize.

Studies suggest that music opens up channels of communication by enhancing cognitive function.  Activities like watching musical performances, singing and dancing do wonders for the mental health of seniors.

If you have a senior loved one in Tarzana who needs to be looked after, check out AvantGarde Senior Living and Memory Care. We specialize in memory care and offer a variety of living facilities for elderly individuals including independent living as well as assisted living.