How Music Improves Mental and Physical Health in Older Adults in Care Homes
Music is a powerful tool for improving health and happiness for us all, but it’s especially true for older adults in care homes.
Whether it’s a familiar melody bringing back memories or a lively beat encouraging movement, music has the ability to support both mental and physical well-being.
In this article, we’ll explore how music improves mental and physical health in care home residents and why it’s so much more than just entertainment.
How Does Music Improve Mental and Physical Health in Older Adults?
Music helps older adults by reducing stress, calming anxiety and lifting their mood. It also improves memory and cognitive function while encouraging emotional connection. On the physical side, music promotes movement, eases pain and improves sleep, making it a simple yet powerful way to enhance overall well-being for those living in care homes.
Mental Health Benefits of Music for Care Home Residents
Music has an incredible ability to impact mental well-being in care homes. Here’s how music supports mental health:
Lowers Stress and Anxiety
Listening to soothing music can lower cortisol levels, the body’s main stress hormone. According to a 2016 study, calming music reduced anxiety by 65% in participants. For older adults, this can make a huge difference in navigating the challenges of ageing, especially in care homes where change and routine disruptions can create stress.
Lifts Mood and Fights Depression
Music is a natural mood booster. It increases the production of dopamine and serotonin — chemicals responsible for happiness and emotional balance. A 2018 study in The Journal of Nursing and Midwifery found that group singing sessions significantly reduced symptoms of depression in older adults while increasing feelings of joy and connection.
Supports Memory and Cognitive Function
For older adults, especially those with dementia, music taps into parts of the brain that remain active even as memory declines. Familiar songs can trigger long-term memories, helping individuals recall names, events or emotions from their past. In fact, music therapy is often used as a tool to improve focus and communication in people experiencing cognitive decline.
Increases Connection and Reduces Loneliness
Music has a way of bringing people together. A group singing session, a shared playlist – or simply sitting with a loved one or friend as they listen to a meaningful song can create a sense of connection. Music in care homes reduces feelings of isolation by encouraging interaction and shared experiences.
Physical Health Benefits of Music for Older Adults
Music is a little miracle worker for the body, too. Care homes with strong social activities can incorporate music easily. From getting people up and moving to helping with pain and even making sleep easier, music can do some pretty incredible things for older adults. Here’s how:
Improves Movement and Mobility
Music has a natural rhythm that encourages physical activity, whether it’s dancing, tapping along or gentle stretching. According to a study published in 2023, rhythmic music improves coordination and balance in older adults, reducing the risk of falls. Even a few minutes of movement to music can help maintain strength and flexibility.
Reduces Pain and Discomfort
Music can act as a natural pain reliever. Studies have found that listening to soothing music triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s feel-good chemicals, which can help reduce chronic pain. A 2016 study in Pain Medicine found that older adults who listened to their favourite music experienced a significant reduction in discomfort compared to those who didn’t.
Improves Sleep Quality
Sleep can be challenging for many elderly people in care homes, but music can help. Listening to calming music before bedtime improves sleep quality and duration for older adults. It works by slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure and helping the mind relax.
Boosts Heart Health
Music has a direct effect on the cardiovascular system. Upbeat tempos can stimulate circulation, while slower rhythms can lower heart rate and blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, listening to music daily can improve overall heart health, making it a simple and enjoyable way to support physical well-being.
The Gift of Music for Everyday Well-Being
Music has the power to transform care home life. It’s simple to use but delivers big benefits – calming anxiety, sparking memories, lifting moods and nurturing connections. By making music part of daily routines, care home staff can create meaningful moments that improve residents’ health and well-being every single day.
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