The Effect Music has on our most Seasoned Population (Seniors)
Stress
The effects of music on anxiety and stress on human behavior have been widely recognized. Experts estimate that between 50% and 80% of all medically related disorders are directly attributable to stress related etiologies. A medical literature review in the 80’s found that psychosocial stressors are considered to be major catalysts in the development or progression of hypertension and associated illnesses, gastrointestinal problems, skin disorders, headaches, insomnia, coronary artery disease, and other potentially life-threatening diseases.
Ways of coping with stress center on two strategies, one, changing the environment and/or two, regulating emotions associated with stress, managing tension, and facilitating relaxation. Music, with its potential to influence both psychological and physiological processes, grants me the opportunity to do both with the shows that I do at ALF while enabling me, in some small way, to improve the quality of life for these older Americans. My performances provide residents with a temporary change from their day-to-day routine of being cared for and assessed by medical staff. Some creative coordinators bring me in to perform at dinner shows, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties, date nights, etc… Having the opportunity to share pleasing melodies, play an important role in affecting the emotional, and as well, the physiological processes of relaxation for these residents. Many of the seniors I perform for express their gratitude for ‘getting them in a good mood’, giving them a sense of hope, and helping them relax. Further, numerous studies regarding music have reported significant decreases in, heart rate and skin temperature.
One Song, 1000 Memories
Music seems to have some sort of magical ability to improve memory in seniors. Everyone can name a song that defines a certain stage in their life. In seniors music can stimulate feelings of well being by evoking these strong memories and emotions. While for the most part, in my performances, I focus on positive, motivating, enjoyable and familiar songs, invariably I will see a resident with a tissue to their eyes, crying in silence as they experience a delicate memory.
For seniors who have age-related memory issues such as dementia, some studies show that music actually has the power to bring back memories and in addition, help slow age-related cognitive decline by improving aging adults’ cognitive processing speed.
Senior and Music Articles
http://www.npr.org/2011/06/01/136859090/the-power-of-music-to-affect-the-brain
http://www.todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/news/story1.shtml
http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-music-art-therapy.asp#music
http://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/isolation/info-2012/health-effects-of-social-isolation.html