The benefits of music therapy for seniors
At Argo Senior Living we proudly offer Music Therapy for our senior residents as part of our weekly activities. We know how music can uplift the heart and improve our well-being. Don’t you agree?
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy uses clinical and evidence-based music interventions to help individuals achieve specific goals with the guidance of a professional music therapist.
Music therapy has even been shown to help people enhance their memory, improve their communication, and promote physical and mental rehabilitation. For this reason, music therapy can be particularly beneficial for seniors, as it can help to deal with age-related topics such as stress, depression, and chronic pain.
The Benefits of Music for Memory Care Seniors
When people hear music they like or make music (singing, drumming, or dancing to it), good chemicals such as dopamine are released in the pleasure centers of the brain and make them feel good.
Music therapy for elderly patients has proven to bring numerous benefits, including:
Improved Cognition. Music can evoke memories and bring up recognition. Music can help seniors process their thoughts and maintain memories.
More Communication. Our caregivers have noticed that even when someone is no longer able to speak, they still recognize songs from their past, and even sing or hum along.
Stress Reduction. Some elderly people experience agitation and emotional stress, especially when they feel like they are losing their mental faculties. Playing soothing music has calming effects, helping to improve emotional health.
More Movement. The rhythm of music can help physical coordination when walking or exercising. You can help elderly loved ones develop more endurance and increase their mobility, even if it’s just toe-tapping or clapping along. Even for those with limited mobility, music can inspire toe-tapping, clapping, and other movements that can help maintain some level of mobility.
Social Skills. Music can encourage social interaction, especially if played in groups. Maintaining social contact with others can be extremely important for seniors, especially if they suffer from depression.
Music Therapy Activities for the Elderly
Our dedicated staff at Argo Senior Living makes sure that our seniors’ days are filled with joy and music, because to us, health care is not just physical; it is mental and emotional as well. We’ve organized sing-alongs and hosted special musical events, bringing in music groups and singers. Some of our classes even have mood music playing in the background, and many times, they just want headphones to sit back, relax and enjoy their private memories.
We know music brings joy to our facility not only to our residents but also to our staff. Musical therapy is just one of the many programs we offer at Argo Senior Living.
Take a look at our Calendar of Events for February:
Do you want to see our seniors having fun? Come over for a tour! Schedule your tour with us or contact us for more info:
