How Music Can Help With Mental Health Issues Of The Elderly in 2022!
Music is one of the most universal forms of expression. It has been used to express joy, sorrow, love, and many other emotions for centuries by people all around the world. For some, it is an escape from reality, while others find comfort in music’s ability to soothe their mind.
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What is Music Therapy and How Can It Help?
The use of sounds to enhance mental health is known as music therapy. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “sound therapists are mental health professionals who bring melodies into the therapeutic process.” The goal of using sound in this way is to help people cope with their pain, express themselves, or simply enjoy themselves.
Music therapy can be a powerful tool when it comes to improving your mental health through aging. Music therapy can have both physical and emotional benefits for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease as well as those who are grieving the loss of loved ones due to death, divorce, or any other reason that may cause them distress. This sort of therapy could also potentially help with social isolation which is oftentimes experienced by seniors that live alone or have limited family support.
How Is Music Used In Therapy?
There are many different ways that music can be used therapeutically. One approach is known as reminiscence therapy. This involves sharing old memories while listening to music from that time period. It can help trigger positive emotions and help seniors feel connected to their past. Melodies can also be used to stimulate conversation by providing a topic of discussion.
In addition to listening to tunes, singing can also be beneficial for mental health in aging. Singing has been shown to improve mood, memory, and overall well-being. There are many groups popping up all over the country that focus on singing for the purpose of improving mental health, such as SilverSingers and The Joyful Noise Choir.
Another approach to music therapy is known as improvisation. This technique allows seniors to express themselves by making up their own lyrics and melodies. They are encouraged to be creative while doing so, which can help with self-confidence and self-esteem.
As the population of elderly people grows, there is more interest in finding alternative therapies that will improve mental health for this group. Research has shown that music therapy can be an effective way for aging individuals to cope with issues related to anxiety, depression, or dementia/Alzheimer’s disease.
Can Anyone Start With It?
This sort of therapy is often conducted by professionals with a music education background, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. One therapist, Judy Delton of Music for Life, offers private playing and listening lessons in the comfort of her clients’ own homes. This allows seniors to connect with their inner musicians in a comfortable environment where they can be at ease.
The classes are small with a maximum of four people, which provides seniors the opportunity to engage with one another while learning about tones, listening methods, playing and much more.
What If I Don’t Like Listening To It?
Music is truly personal and it doesn’t matter whether you like country or rap, hip-hop or heavy metal, what counts is that you find something you enjoy that will help you deal with your issues. Some individuals even use their own singing voice to cope with various issues, which can be therapeutic by itself according to Delton.
Although not all seniors can play instruments, they still have ways to incorporate music into their lives in order to address mental health issues. For example, some purchase CDs or download songs onto MP3 players so they can listen to them anytime. Others may enjoy attending local concerts and events where they can connect with other like-minded individuals and socialize.
The possibilities are endless for those looking to benefit from sound therapy as we age. Whether you choose to take private lessons or simply listen to your favorite tunes, music has the potential to be a powerful tool in improving mental health during your later years.
Conclusion
Music therapy is an important addition to the care of the elderly because it provides something that many elderly people lack: a sense of purpose, community, and shared experience. These things have been shown to reduce stress, decrease depression, enhance the quality of life and even reduce mortality rates. Listening to melodies brings joy, so if someone enjoys it already why not encourage them?
If you or a loved one is interested in taking a music therapy class, consider looking up groups near you that offer this service. If there are none available, working with a therapist to learn at home might be an option as well. Sounds can provide many benefits for seniors and could potentially promote their overall mental health.
