Three Benefits That Listening To Music Brings to Older People

Written on 23 March 2021.

If you’re looking for ways to bring some extra happiness into the life of an elderly relative, simply playing some of their favourite music can work wonders. Here, we share three benefits of listening to music and how it can have a positive effect on an older person’s memory and mood.

Listening to music promotes relaxation

Lots of people listen to music to help them to relax, and encouraging your elderly loved one to do this can help their overall wellbeing. Through being able to focus on their favourite music, elderly people can leave confusion and anxieties behind which gives them the opportunity to relax and unwind. This sense of relaxation can also help them to get a good night’s sleep – something which some older and vulnerable people can often struggle with.

Listening to music encourages social interaction

When older people listen to music it can bring back memories, thoughts, and feelings that may have otherwise been pushed to the back of their minds. This can help to give their self-esteem a boost and creates a talking point for them to enjoy with you, their carer, or friends, whether they are living independently or in a care home or centre. Listening to music can really help to improve the mood of our elderly loved ones, which is truly a joy for themselves and for us too.

Listening to music motivates movement

It can be difficult to sit still when your favourite music comes on, and even if your older relative has limited movement, hearing some tunes that they like can motivate them to move. This could be anything from walking and stretching to working with small weights or a bit of dancing! Even small movements can help to improve strength, flexibility, and balance – all of which are very important when aging is concerned.

These are just three benefits of listening to music for the elderly, and there are many more too! Next time you visit your loved one in their care home, suggest playing some of their favourite songs and see what a difference it can make. You can find other articles and information on our blog and the wider website on how we incorporate music into our program of activities for our residents (and staff!) to enjoy!