The Benefits of Music Therapy for Older Adults

Researchers at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care in Toronto and McGill University in Montreal recently found evidence that over a course of a year musical training affects brain development in young children.

But how can music affect older adults, in particular, those with dementia or even those who require end-of-life care?

According to Amy Clements, Baycrest Music Therapist, “Music is an important tool in encouraging residents at Baycrest to participate in meaningful activity when many other opportunities are limited or too challenging for them. Music has the power to stimulate and soothe and it can serve as a means of communication for those whose language has become challenging or lost.”

For people suffering from dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, music therapy can be used to help stimulate cognition, reduce anxiety and agitation, enhance social interaction and promote reminiscence.

For those who are in palliative care, music therapy can be used to promote relaxation, decrease pain perception, facilitate emotional expression, and enhance quality of life. It can help to alleviate fears and anxiety and help to initiate communication with family members.

Music therapists use a number of techniques including singing, playing instruments, movement to music, lyric discussion and analysis, as well as song writing.

“Our initial and primary goal is to establish contact,” explains Amy. “If music can evoke or preserve any of the human qualities of memory, personality, recognition, awareness or emotional senses then it is worthwhile. Music may preserve an individual’s sense of humanness.”

Family members can also incorporate music into their visits with family. Here are some helpful tips for family members who are visiting loved ones:

Sing songs while visiting. (If your relative is able to read song sheets bring them, but limit the songs to one or two per page with large print.)
When singing, remember words do not always have to be used, encourage humming.
Use music to motivate or encourage exercise or movement. Try using colorful aids such as paper streamers or silk scarves. Props make the activity more interesting.
Play small percussion instruments to recorded instrumental music.
Invite children (grandchildren) to sing/play for and with your relative.