Music therapy to improve the quality life of older adults

Music therapy to improve the quality life of older adults

When listening to a song, it is very common to transport us to a place or moment in our lives; music is an element that is part of us and generates different emotions that make us remember. It can make us happy, sad and even help us achieve catharsis. A melody can keep us in harmony and serve as music therapy.

What is music therapy and how does it work?

Music therapy is a process in which music is used to help restore, improve or maintain the health of an individual. It has become a health profession that provides therapeutic care by addressing the emotional, cognitive, physical and social needs of an individual. For older adults, this type of treatment has multiple benefits on their mental and physical health.

Elements of music therapy

Music therapy handles multiple activities, such as playing an instrument, writing songs, and listening to melodies. It is an appropriate therapy for any type of person, whether they have some type of disability, who struggle with illnesses, who are completely healthy, or older adults.

Benefits of using music therapy as a regenerative activity

Music therapy can influence the brain, the body, and also behavior. Nothing better than music to distract the mind, slow down the body’s rhythms and change our mood. For older adults, receiving music therapy has multiple health benefits, in addition to representing an activity that can be part of their routine.

Work with qualified music therapists

In care facilities, certified music therapists work with older adults suffering from emotional health issues such as depression, pain, and anxiety. They also help with the rehabilitation requirements of people who have suffered a stroke, a traumatic head injury, or chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

Improve memory through music therapy

Music therapy for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia is vigorous, because a person’s rhythmic response is tied to the motor center of the brain that requires little cognitive or mental processing. Research has shown that people with Alzheimer’s or dementia who participate in music therapy sessions often can respond powerfully to music, even in the later stages of the disease.

Reduces symptoms of degenerative diseases

In people who suffer from Parkinson’s, music therapy can help them improve their movements, because the rhythm amplifies the link between listening and movement, this allows older adults with this pathology to improve coordination, balance and posture. . The vibration of music can be heard and felt, leading to decreased body stiffness, reduced tremors and longer strides when walking.

Reduces stress and anxiety

Listening to music can relieve depression, reduce anxiety and increase the level of self-esteem in older adults, helping them significantly reduce emotional distress and increase their quality of life. For caregivers and nursing staff in care centers, participating in music therapy activities is also beneficial, as it reduces their exhaustion and improves their mood.

Management of pain and discomfort

We know that upon reaching a certain age, chronic discomfort and pain appear as a result of the natural aging process. Music therapy provides a distraction and allows you to reduce the symptoms of your physical discomfort by controlling your emotions. Music represents a non-pharmacological treatment in older adults.

The use of music as therapy is intended to address various cognitive, emotional, physical and mental problems for older people.

Music therapy is an activity that can be done individually or in a group that improves heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs. Incorporating it into the daily routine while in a rest home brings multiple benefits to the quality of life of older adults.