We all love jamming out to our favourite song every now and then, but did you know that listening to music has an array of cognitive and health benefits? No matter what age or the type of music, whether it’s jazz, classical, pop, folk or country, neuroscientists have found that listening to music stimulates our brains and releases the ‘feel good’ hormone, dopamine. Recent studies have also shown the use of music therapy can help enhance the memory of dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.
Here are some of the top health and lifestyle benefits music can bring seniors:
- Improving language and speech skills
- Reducing (and perhaps even preventing) symptoms of dementia and cognitive decline
- Helping with memory processing and recall
- Lowering stress and anxiety levels
- Improving sleep quality
- Boosting creativity and productivity
- Promoting faster healing and managing physical pain
With such useful side effects of a good singalong or wonderful tune, here are some ways to incorporate more music into your lives:
Watch a classic movie musical or a recorded concert
One of the best ways to spend an afternoon and wind down is to get comfy and relax watching your favourite movie. Watching movies which includes an element of music is a great way to sing along, increase memory recall and simply enjoy watching one of your silver screen favourites. Our picks are The Wizard of Oz, West Side Story, A Star is Born and The Pink Panther. Whether it’s on TV or one of the many subscription channels we have available at our fingertips these days, there are so many ways to tune in, watch (and sing) along to your heart’s content.
Play an instrument
You may have always been an avid musician, or picked up a new talent along the way, but playing an instrument has so many benefits. From coordination to improving fine motor skills and memory recollection, playing an instrument is a fun and practical way to get involved with music, socialise and come up with new songs.
Play CDs or Vinyl
Get together a collection of your favourite artists, albums or singles and start playing them! Although this is a simple task it can produce many benefits such as increasing endorphins by singing along, lifting our moods and boosting energy. You’d be amazed at how effective one song in the morning can be. No matter how you play your music, the beneficial effect is the same and all are encouraged in our Karingal Green home.
Get active through dance
Solo, in a group or with your partner, dancing is a wholesome and wonderful way to bring a group together while finding your groove. For some people, this may be one of their favourite pastimes, so finding time throughout the week to schedule a half hour dance lesson or to simply press play and find your own rhythm is packed with positive repercussions. You might love casual dancing, chair dancing or just clapping along – or putting everything into a tango. Whatever you choose, dancing is a great way to get the blood pumping.
Join a choir
Karingal Green has a fantastic choir made up of our extremely talented residents. There’s nothing like seeing like-minded people coming together to sing along to old favourites, new releases and Christmas carols throughout the year. Joining a choir or group is a great way to immerse yourself in a social environment and have a commitment weekly for rehearsals and practicing in spare time. The benefits speak for themselves; increased interaction, dedication, performing in front of a crowd and practicing and developing a skill set. Our choir is loved by the Karingal Green community and family and friends love coming to watch when they can.
Our changing activity schedule at Karingal Green ensures all of these favourite past times are incorporated into our residents schedule. We welcome you to come and take a tour of the home and see why our home could be the perfect fit for you or your loved-one.
Contact us today;