April 30, 2021
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As we age, many of us may experience a change in our mental capacity, some more than others. Thankfully, there are holistic ways to improve brain health. In fact, many medical staff, especially those caring for the elderly, have found amazing responses to music therapy. Experts in elderly care are integrating this form of therapy to encourage brain vitality that gives seniors a stronger sense of purpose to live longer and happier.
Music and the Brain
Our bodies are naturally rhythmical — from our heartbeats to our breathing, even up to our circadian rhythm for sleep — because rhythm represents structure that keeps our internal systems on track. Music, being born from artistically arranged rhythm, stimulates the brain and encourages it to compute and interpret. Recently, the National Institute of Health even green lighted further research for music in neuroscience. The research will explore if and how music can play a role in managing symptoms for different conditions such as strokes and Parkinson’s disease, which impact many elderly patients.
Pain and anxiety reduction
So far, though, research has suggested that music can release endorphins that manage pain and lower stress. By targeting the autonomic nervous system, music can calm the mind and boost happiness. Meanwhile, studies note that listening to music helps lessen pain and even shorten recovery time for post-operation patients. Music can be instrumental in pain management among seniors, given that 60-75% of people aged 65 and older report having some form of chronic pain. Meanwhile, approximately 20% of the senior population experience anxiety in some form.
Memory and alertness are elevated
Losing cognitive functions is one of the leading issues seniors deal with. The CDC reports that 1 in 9 elderly adults will experience subjective cognitive decline after the age of 65. But aside from the mental aspect, the impact it can have emotionally and physically can be massive.
Fortunately, music has been found to cultivate thoughts and memories. By playing familiar songs, seniors trigger distant memories. Some have even been found to recall old dance steps, the specific time that they relate to the song, and even certain words that may have been previously lost from their lexicon.
Applying Music Therapy
Seek professional help
Music therapists, who hold a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from an American Music Therapy Association-approved program, are the professionals to call if you plan on implementing the practice in your caregiving approach. They can design personal sessions that combine musical cues with verbal and visual stimuli to activate specific parts of the brain. This can help seniors reframe their mental perception when it comes to pain and stress.
However, if a music specialist is not available or within budget, nurses, ideally those with an RN to BSN qualification, can be effective in implementing a music program for senior care. Being a healthcare professional trained in geriatric care and with the most personal interactions with the elderly, these specialist nurses can use music to uplift their patient’s bedside interactions. Examples include playing their favorite tunes during bedtime or asking them to help choose music for the day’s activity. Even the legendary nurse Florence Nightingale incorporated music in her care!
Curate personalized playlists and musical activities
Therapists who have worked with seniors suggest playing custom-made playlists. Pick songs that they grew up listening to so that you can elicit different kinds of responses. By updating these playlists every few weeks, seniors can unlock more memories. It is common that after every session they may want to share stories or start dancing — and this is highly encouraged!
It is also recommended to put on a playlist depending on the time of day or the activity. If you want them to break out dancing, put on something lively. But if you want to help them sleep better, put soft calming music in the background.
In addition, provide them an opportunity to make their own music with basic instruments. In senior living facilities, this could become a regular activity with many participants. Some can play instruments, while the others sing and dance, which is a fun and memorable way to integrate music into their routines.
Generations of research have shown that the correlation between brain health and music should not be overlooked. The way that music can intimately benefit the brain and its complex highways lends credence to its rise as therapy. Should you be caring for a senior with memory deficits, don’t lose hope. You may find that a little tune is all it takes to see significant progress.
During the month of April, our GenCare communities offered a variety of music activities to our residents to focus on music and brain health. A few of our resident’s favorites included Name That Tune, Swinging & Sweating to the Oldies, Showtunes Singalong, Drums & Rhythm Coordination, live performances and our very own GenCare Jingle Challenge. Check in next month for our blog on Senior Health & Fitness!
Written exclusively for gencarelifestyle.com
By Fin Violette
