How Does Music Therapy Benefit Seniors?

When you start learning about music therapy for seniors, you will soon find that each therapy session is totally unique. The therapist works to tailor or customize the session based on the person who is seeing them. Seniors can use the creation of music to express how they are feeling. It can be done through singing, composing, playing music, or even dancing to music. This type of therapy can be greatly beneficial to seniors who need help with self-expression and coping without wanting to go to traditional therapy. Senior home care can also be invaluable for a senior who needs help around the house, including transportation to music therapy appointments.

Music therapy benefits include improved respiration, lower blood pressure, improved cardiac output, reduced heart rate, and relaxed muscle tension. This type of therapy may help a senior focus on something else that is less stressful and help them relax more, leading to so many amazing advantages. Traditional therapy may not work for all seniors, so this is another way for seniors to understand who they are and how they are feeling.

What Conditions or Diseases Can Music Therapy Help With?

Since each therapy session is different, many different kinds of people can benefit from seeing a therapist. Each session is customized to an individual and can help people with various conditions and diseases. Here are some diseases music therapy could potentially benefit from.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Music can be a great way to remember certain things that may not be remembered otherwise. It is an excellent way to release stress, reduce anxiety, and even reduce agitation. Seniors may become agitated or irritated that they can’t remember things, but music can help them get through this. It is another way to self-express without having to find the words.

Autism

A senior who struggles with autism may not be capable of expressing feelings into words. They may not even understand the feelings themselves. Music allows them to share how they feel without saying anything at all. It allows them to connect and react to the music

Depression

Senior depression should never be overlooked and it can be a serious thing to focus on. Senior home care can help limit some of the feelings of being isolated but it may not be enough to battle depression. Music therapy has been shown to help ease the symptoms of depression. It can be helpful in regulating moods and emotions, even helping boost them.

Substance Abuse

One of the things that is often overlooked with seniors is substance abuse. Not every senior will fall under this category but if they do, there is still time to get help. Senior home care can be a helping guide urging a senior to stay healthy but adding in music therapy can be beneficial too. It can help focus on recovery, allow seniors to self-express, and help them adjust to recovering.

Senior home care providers can help drive seniors to these appointments. It can take a team of people to make sure your loved one stays physically healthy, mentally stable, and happy. Between senior home care, music therapy, and the help of family, a senior may be able to age in place much longer than someone else.

Sources:
https://petersonfamilyfoundation.org/news/health-benefits-of-music-therapy/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/music-and-alzheimers/faq-20058173

If you are considering senior home care in Scarsdale, NY, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts At Home of NYC today at 212-201-6139.