Music soothes the soul… but to what extent ? This is the question asked by scientists at the University of Michigan. Through a new study, American researchers wanted to know the benefits that music can have on the health of the elderly. They subsequently published their results in a report.
To carry out their research, American scientists based themselves on data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, a national survey conducted among 2,657 Americans, aged 50 to 80. The survey was conducted in the summer of 2023, online and by telephone. Each participant had to answer several questionscovering their experience of music, the benefits it provides, the obstacles to practicing musical activities as well as more generally the importance of music in their lives.
The importance of music in the daily lives of older people
The scientists examined each of the respondents’ responses and then condensed it all into a report. Among the national sample, more than half of seniors (56%) said they listen to music daily, and 29% a few times a week. Like other musical activities, the majority of adults (80%) watched musical shows on television or the Internet in the past year, and almost half (41%) attended concerts. Some (21%) sing every day, some (25%) several times a week and still others (8%) sang with other people several times, for example in a choir. Finally, less than a quarter (17%) have played an instrument several times, and even fewer (8%) played an instrument with other people.
Less stress, joy, energy… The benefits of music for seniors
The respondents are almost unanimous on the benefits of this leisure, since 98% said music makes them feel good. As advantages, it provides most often stress relief or relaxation (75%), followed by joy (73%), improved mental health, improved mood or attitude (65%), awakening memories or making it easier to remember events (61%), as well as motivation or energy (60%).
Additionally, many participants (36%) said music helped them feel a spiritual or religious connectionalmost a third (31%) keep your mind sharpmore than a quarter (27%) connect with others and finally some (7%) to reduce pain. For almost half (41%) music plays an important role, for a little more (48%) it is relatively important and for others (11%) not. Finally, when they evaluate the importance of music today compared to when they were younger, 46% of adults say that it occupies the same place, for 19% it is now more important and for 35% less.
Encourage older people to enjoy music
According to scientists, the benefits of music, such as relaxation, stress relief, mood improvement and energy boost, “could be particularly useful for people facing physical and mental health problems“, we can read in the report. Thus, they encourage “those responsible for health systems and services for the elderly” has “think about ways to increase opportunities for older people to indulge in music to promote their health and well-being”.
Source :
The Sound of Music – University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging