The Benefits of Music for Seniors

The positive effects of music on the well-being of seniors have been identified following numerous studies over the last few years. As an example, a study by the music therapy department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, identified the following specific health benefits of music-making for older adults:

• Reduces high blood pressure
• Decreases heart rate
• Reduces stress
• Lessens anxiety and depression
• Enhances immunological response, which helps us to fight viruses

This article is the first in a series which will focus on the effects of music in the lives of Seniors, particularly those living in Senior or Elder Communities where shared spaces and facilities can be provided to enhance mental and physical health.

Health Benefits

Throughout the articles we will highlight Percussion Play Outdoor Musical Instruments for seniors which are  designed to encourage people of all ages to participate in making music, and to enjoy the health benefits that it promises. By encouraging seniors to use rhythm instruments, music-making also doubles up as physiotherapy because outdoor musical instruments require the use of a variety of different grips and hand positions in order to produce a sound. This means that when seniors play the instruments they are not only working to maintain their coordination and balance, but improving their mobility and posture, increasing their energy levels, developing the use of their fine and gross motor skills, and perhaps even more importantly, they are having fun and living in the moment! The fact that music enhances mood and increases feel-good feelings in seniors is supported by evidence from a Stanford study that conducted research into 30 depressed people over 80 years of age.

Music Therapy

The study concluded that participants in a weekly music therapy group were less anxious, less distressed, and had higher self-esteem than those who did not. The instruments we feature here are specially designed to be pentatonic, so that whichever order the notes are played in, the sound is always harmonic. This means that feelings of frustration in the musician are eliminated because anything and everything they play sounds right. This inspires self-confidence, even in non-musical individuals, and reduces stress and anxiety which is important in senior care. Because these musical instruments produce pleasing harmonies, regardless of how they are played, there are no rules or limitations, and the person playing the instrument does not feel restricted in any way. This encourages freedom of expression and satisfaction, aspects of life that are often sadly lacking in the elderly.

Schoolscapes Musical Instruments for Seniors

Schoolscapes has one of the largest ranges of Outdoor Musical Instruments available in the USA. We supply instruments to schools, parks, libraries, leisure facilities, care and therapeutic communities all over the USA, Canada and the World. If you want to take music outside you have come to the right place!