The Magic of Music

We all know that music can have powerful effects. It can move us. It can touch our hearts and minds in indescribable ways. It can reach places in us that we had forgotten. For many people living with dementia, it can truly cause a transformative reaction that defies explanation.

For the Old School Band, a group of retired Central Florida school teachers and friends that perform music from the early half of the 1900’s, this theory becomes reality. This charismatic band visits assisted living communities, bringing vitality and life and adding a powerful dimension into the lives of many seniors.

“I've never seen her respond to anything before. She was really enjoying the music.”

“It's amazing how everyone is so quiet and sleepy when we start but so lively and happy after the first few songs.”

“He never speaks, but he was singing all the words.”

These are quotes from several of the staff at the retirement homes, assisted living communities and memory care homes where the Old School Band has performed.

The members of the group had performed at school events when they were teaching. After retiring in 2011, the reading teacher-guitarist asked if they would help fulfill her dream, a band that would perform at the senior homes and play “THEIR “ music. They, too, are seniors in their 70s and 80s and volunteer their performance two times a month. They practice every week and love it. “The music keeps us young and we keep on making people happy,” says Gretchen Hyde, one of the band members.

Reap the Rewards: The Tremendous Health Benefits of Music!

Music has the power to improve our moods, energy and stress levels. It can really have ‘magical’ effects. As Caroline Beson, LPMT, MT-BC, a licensed, boardcertified music therapist suggests, “Think about a time when you heard a song on the radio that changed your mood for the better.” It truly is awe inspiring! “People usually know what kinds of music will be best for their health. It’s the music that helps you feel rejuvenated, joyful, hopeful, energized or peaceful.”

Music also has powerful effects on memory, vitality and energy. For seniors with dementia, music can be really transformative.

Music Can be an Energy Booster!

“Listening to your favorite music can be a great way for healthy people to stay motivated during physical activity and it can aid in coordination,” says Beson.

AHHHH...It Reduces Anxiety.

“Listening to slower music with a predictable rhythm, as a part of meditation practice, for example, is effective in reducing anxiety levels for many people.”

It Gives Your Brain a Workout.

“Active participation in music-making engages the whole brain,” says Beson. “This can help form new connections in the brain, which means making music is a great way to stay active mentally.”

DANCE! DANCE! DANCE!

Movement is a great way to express yourself. It gives your body a workout. “Making music is also a physical activity,” she explains. “Singing or playing an instrument is part recreation and part exercise.”

It Can Decrease Pain and Depression.

A 2012 study found that listening to music twice a day helped participants with chronic disease experience less pain and fewer symptoms of depression.

How amazing that something so seemingly simple can have such wide reaching benefits! Embrace it. Allow music to stir emotions, heal, and enjoy the incredibly transformative powers of music!

Source: Piedmont Healthcare

Beth Douglas is an experienced marketing communications professional who is passionate about promoting quality, compassionate senior healthcare. She is a contributing writer and independent contractor with Douglas Design & Marketing.