Wednesday, May 2, 2012

HOW MUSIC AFFECTS OLDER ADULTS AND THE DISABLED


Music can affect every aspect of our lives.  I cannot imagine what this world would be like without the God-given ability to produce music.  And probably every one of us has a loved one in our lives who is either a senior adult or someone who is disabled.  Studies have shown that the following statements have been proven to be true.  Just keep these things in mind as you interact with the people you know and love.

- Music is one of the activities that involves the whole brain.
- Music heals. They are finding that it can be used in pain management.
- Music therapy is used in hospitals from during childbirth to complement the use of anesthesia during surgery.
- Music serves as a distractor.

- Music causes the body to release endorphins to counteract pain.  

- Slow music relaxes a person by slowing their breathing and heartbeat.
- Music reduces blood pressure.  Playing classical, celtic or raga music every day can significantly reduce high blood pressure.
- Music is good for your heart.  It is the tempo that helps.  The steady beat is good for the heart.
- It speeds post-stroke recovery.  Verbal memory and attention span can improve.  I know a person who had a stroke and cannot verbally communicate at all.  But when we sing, she can sing and say the words.  It  is amazing to see her sing along with everyone else.
- Music enhances intelligence, learning and IQ.  
- Music improves memory performance.  Mozart’s music and baroque music, with a 60 beats per minute beat pattern, activates the left and right brain.  The simultaneous left and right brain action maximizes learning and retention of information.

Stay tuned for more valuable information as to how music can have a positive affect on our lives, no matter what our age.

No comments: