Tuning into Healthy Aging: The Impact of Music
There are a few common tips that most people think of when it comes to healthy aging:
1. Form an exercise routine
2. Eat balanced meals
3. Get a good night’s sleep
4. Try to reduce stressors
5. Stay hydrated
These are all undeniably important tips that can help improve health. Similar messages have been shared by numerous doctors and researchers. While there are many known factors that contribute to health, one aspect of healthy aging that most people would not consider is music.
Music is more accessible now than it ever has been; we can hear any song by just pressing a few buttons. It is something that is all around us: in stores, in the background of advertisements, in our cars, and sometimes even in the alarm that wakes us up. Many of us do not notice how prevalent music is in our lives yet it is powerful enough to move our emotions and remind us of fond memories. If music is impressive enough to have such a strong presence in our lives, could it help how we age?
Pressing Play
One of the fastest ways to gain access to music, especially for those of us who do not know how to play an instrument, is to listen to others play music. There are many ways to hear others play music: turning on a recording from your favorite musician, seeing one of your friends who has been mastering an instrument for years, and possibly even attending your grandchild’s first concert. Whether you are listening to music for your enjoyment or you are listening to show support for someone else, there is a positive impact on your health.
A 2020 study from AARP, found that adults who listen to music have slightly higher scores for mental wellbeing. Likewise, adults who listen to music, more often have higher self-rated scores of cognitive functions and brain health. Just listening to music is a simple and accessible way to boost our brains at any age. The study includes both focused listening and listening to music in the background which makes music all the more accessible.
Shortly after the release of the AARP study, Harvard Health Publishing posted a blog looking further into the AARP results. In this post, they add some information about what is happening in the brain while we listen to music. Multiple networks in our brains are activated while listening to music including auditory, visual, and prefrontal regions. It can activate such diverse regions of our brains from areas responsible for memory to motor functions. The only other known activity that can activate such diverse brain networks is participating in social activities, such as playing games or crafting in groups. Activating these networks is significant to keep them strong; if brain networks are not utilized they will weaken. It is important to keep these networks engaged to help maintain well-being and cognitive functions.
Listening to music seems to have its benefits for our brain and overall well-being, but is there a way we could strengthen these effects by becoming more involved with music?
Getting Involved
For those with greater musical passion, there are additional benefits to becoming more involved in the world of music. There are opportunities to learn a new instrument, perform for others, or join a choir. Whether you have a life-long history of playing music or you just picked up an instrument for the first time, involvement in music can be beneficial to your health.
Current research shows promising results for older adults looking to get involved with music. A review of the existing literature on older adults examined the cognitive impact of playing an instrument. One study examines the impact of “engaged” instrument playing which involves continuous learning of new songs or a new instrument. Researchers found that engaged instrument playing is effective for maintaining or improving cognitive flexibility and executive control.
These results align with the sentiment of “lifelong learning.” Scientists have found that learning new skills is critical to brain health, especially in comparison to engaging in familiar activities. Various researchers have shown that this is an idea that can be applied to learning new musical skills as well.
While scientists have certainly demonstrated that playing an instrument could contribute to brain health, it is not the only way we can become musically engaged. If instruments are not your thing, you can use your voice! Singing is a great activity that you can do on your own without any equipment, but it is even better to do as a part of a group. There are various institutions that have choirs requiring membership to join, but many cities have community choirs that are open to the public.
A group of California researchers investigated the effects of choir participation amongst those 60 years and older. Arguably the most important findings were that participating in choir reduced feelings of loneliness and increased interest in life. These are both important contributors to our mental well-being which can impact the way we age.
Giving It a Try
While scientists are still working to better understand how music impacts our health, it is worth giving music a try if you have not already. You might even find that you are bound to win a Grammy Award--or at least that you have found a new passion.