Music can sooth animals, both wild and domestic, lull infants to sleep, and bring people together. It also has excellent benefits for the elderly. Music can lessen stress responses such as increased heart rate and the production of the stress hormone cortisol. It can improve speech abilities for those recovering from strokes or other conditions and trigger memories for those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Music therapy in seniors has also been found to increase blood flow by stimulating specific areas of the brain, improving general cognitive function. Increased movement is another beneficial side-effect of listening to music since there are some tunes you just can’t help but get up and dance to, no matter what your age.
For many seniors in assisted living, music provides benefits, including lessening of pain and discomfort without the use of medicines, improved ability to remember recent events, positive changes in mood and an increased sense of self-sufficiency. The staff at McHARRIE LIFE SENIOR COMMUNITY is available 24 hours a day to serve individuals who need assistance with the activities of daily life. To learn more, please call (315) 638-2521 to arrange a tour of our senior community at 7740 Meigs Road, Baldwinsville.
P.S Music brings people together and can be used to ease senior citizens into social activity when they are shy or reluctant to engage.