As our population ages, it’s increasingly important to adopt strategies that help improve cognitive function and prevent the onset of cognitive decline [1]. Learning a musical instrument and engaging in music has been shown to enhance memory and cognitive function in older adults [1].
Lisa J. Lehmberg of the University of Massachusetts and C. Victor Fung of the University of South Florida-Tampa [2] identified the following benefits to seniors from active music participation:
1. “an overall sense of physical and mental well-being, including the lessening of stress, pain and medication usage,
2. the slowing of age-related cognitive decline,
3. feelings of pleasure and enjoyment,
4. pride and a sense of accomplishment in learning new skills,
5. creation and maintenance of social connections,
6. a means of creative self-expression, and
7. the construction of identity at a time in life when the sense of identity may be in flux.”
Engagement in music helps individuals use neuroplasticity to build new connections within the brain. In other words, musical training grows your brain [3]. The evidence is amazing: adult professional musicians’ brains have a larger volume of gray matter than non-musicians’ brains. Studies also show that the longer one plays an instrument, the better one’s verbal working memory is in adulthood [3]. Musicians also develop the ability to hear better in a noisy environment. This skill can fight against aging-related difficulties in hearing words against a noisy background [3].
It’s important to note that musical training holds the same beneficial impact regardless of your age. Older adults may take more time to learn and may achieve musical tasks incrementally, but they will still get cognitive benefits and feel self-satisfaction [4].
Learning a new instrument can be challenging (and even a bit scary). But you don’t have to start with a difficult instrument like a piano. There are many instruments that are easier to learn as you start your musical journey, such as [5]:
1. Tambourines- They are easy to play and are a simple way to start enjoying playing music. Tambourines can be played by shaking or banging to the tune of the song and can be brought almost anywhere.
2. Bongos- Like drums, these are played with both hands. They are a great accompaniment to other instruments and provide efficient physical exercise in order to stay fit and healthy.
3. Bass guitar- This is a four-string instrument producing the lowest pitch. Bass guitars typically have simpler, more repetitive pieces than regular guitars and can be brought almost anywhere.
4. Harp- This is a stringed instrument that can be placed on the lap or on the floor. It is also known for the religious sentiment it creates so that older adults easily enjoy it.
5. Flute- This is a small high-pitched wind instrument. Flutes are played by blowing air into the tube and moving the fingers across the instrument’s holes. With fervor, senior citizens can easily learn to play the flute.
Of course, there are MANY other instruments you can choose to learn. The key is finding one that you truly enjoy and that challenges you while not being frustrating or overwhelming.
References:
- Diaz Abrahan V, Shifres F, Justel N. Cognitive Benefits From a Musical Activity in Older Adults. Front Psychol. 2019 Mar 28;10:652. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00652. PMID: 30984074; PMCID: PMC6447697. Accessed October 9, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6447697/
- Lisa J Lemberg and C. Victor Fung, “Benefits of Music Participation for Senior Citizens: A Review of the Literature”. Music Education Research International, Volume 4, 2010. Accessed October 9, 2022. http://cmer.arts.usf.edu/content/articlefiles/3122-MERI04pp.19-30.pdf
- Diane Cole, “Your Aging Brain Will Be in Better Shape If You’ve Taken Music Lessons”. January 4, 2014, National Geographic. Accessed October 9, 2022. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/140103-music-lessons-brain-aging-cognitive-neuroscience
- Tara Bahrampour, “More older adults learn it’s never too late to pick up a musical instrument”. November 10, 2016, The Washington Post, Social Issues. Accessed October 9, 2022. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/more-older-adults-learn-its-never-too-late-to-pick-up-a-musical-instrument/2016/11/10/628857ec-a570-11e6-8fc0-7be8f848c492_story.html
- Charles Omendo, “10 Easiest Instruments To Learn Late In Life”. August 13, 2020, Yahoo! Finance. Accessed October 9, 2022. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-easiest-instruments-learn-life-160246814.html