Page 4 - William Cape Gardens Newsletter Summer 2019_Final

4 WILLIAM CAPE NEWS, SUMMER 2019
Health & Wellbeing

The Power of Music

Music plays an important role in life for people of all ages, Improving Memory
forging connections to pivotal events and fond memories. Music therapy can increase brain chemicals that arouse
Research has found that music can promote relaxation, positive feelings in people diagnosed with dementia,
improve productivity and lower stress. For seniors, experts say. If you have a loved one who suffers from
pleasing melodies can deliver even more benefits for dementia, you may have noticed that music can lift their
physical and mental health, memory and important social spirits and even transform their entire demeanour.
connections.
Decreasing Isolation
Promoting Overall Wellness
For some seniors, a variety of health problems can make
Music has the power to stimulate feelings of wellbeing by communication more difficult as we age. The resulting
evoking powerful memories and emotions. Seniors who isolation can increase health risks — and shorten life
have trouble remembering recent events may find spans. In many cases, music opens up avenues of
meaning in songs that bring back older memories, and communication that otherwise may not be available.
experts note that music can improve a person with Research has demonstrated that listening to music on a
dementia’s quality of life. For many seniors in aged care, regular basis can enhance communication for people with
music provides benefits, including lessening of pain and dementia by improving cognition and language abilities.
discomfort without the use of medication, improved Music‐related activities in aged care — including dancing,
ability to remember recent events, positive changes in singing, playing musical instruments, listening to music
mood and an increased sense of self‐sufficiency. and watching musical performances — can spark
discussions that improve connections with friends and
Encouraging Exercise
family members.
Music can be highly motivating during any type of
exercise, including walking, dancing, stretching and The Transformative Power of Music
working out with weights. The right music plays an On a daily basis, seniors in aged care benefit from music
important role in encouraging seniors to get more that boosts moods, encourages exercise, discourages
physical activity, which can help maintain independence isolation and promotes overall mental and physical
and restore function lost due to injuries or illnesses. health. By using the power of music, you may improve
Seniors of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from an communication with your loved one and share joyful
increase in movement, which helps improve muscle moments together.
strength, flexibility, heart health, bone density and
balance. By choosing appropriate music for various types Source: https://eldercarealliance.org/blog/can‐music‐benefit‐seniors‐
of physical activities, aged care professionals help seniors assisted‐living/
increase activity at a safe and beneficial pace.