Music Therapy for the Elderly

According to the American Music Therapy Association, Music Therapy is defined as the following:

“Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.”

Music is something that isn’t always thought of in a clinical sense, but the benefits of music therapy can be incredible. Music therapy can be especially helpful in the senior citizen population.

For the elderly, music therapy can help in numerous ways. In 2012 a YouTube video of an elderly man named Henry went viral on YouTube. At the beginning of the video, he was unresponsive, but with the aid of a set of headphones and some music he became animated and responsive. This served as a reminder that music therapy is an incredible tool when working with the elderly.

Here are some of the things that music therapy can do:

• Listening to music will help to ease anxiety in older patients.

• Lyric writing and singing can help with the expression of different emotions and feelings.

• Music can help strengthen the immune system.

• Listening to music releases dopamine, which is associated with pleasure.

• It is incredibly helpful for individuals who are non-verbal. Music crosses all communication barriers, so it can be especially helpful with individuals who have suffered a stroke or are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

• For older patients, music is linked with memories, so it can stimulate memories, increase awareness and initiate emotional responses.

If you know of an elderly individual who may benefit from music therapy, you can reach out to a local music therapist. Additionally, you could sit with your elderly loved one and make a playlist of different songs they enjoy. You can spend time listening to the music with your elderly loved one and both reap the benefits of music!

For more information on music therapy, you can visit these websites:

CNN Health: When patients have ‘music emergencies’ 

NPR: For Elders With Dementia, Musical Awakenings 

American Music Therapy Association

Pet Therapy for the Elderly

It’s universally accepted that pets bring joy to everyone. For the elderly, they can be an incredible resource for healing, and there is scientific evidence to support that they can have a direct impact on quality of life. Whether it is a Bernese Mountain dog or a small rabbit, these furry creatures each bring their own unique health benefits to individuals.

Here are some ways in which pets can help seniors:

• Pet therapy has been shown to increase mood and decrease feelings of depression in elderly patients.

• Petting an animal has been associated with decreased blood pressure and lowered cholesterol levels.

• Pet owners are less likely to die of heart related illness than individuals who don’t own a pet.

• Regular interaction with an animal will also help to decrease feelings of loneliness in the elderly.

• Elderly will take better care of themselves when they have a pet that is dependent upon them.

• Working with animals provides an opportunity for increased physical activity. For example, taking a dog on a short stroll will increase cardiovascular activity and contribute to overall well-being.

• The act of petting an animal will help to increase mobility and dexterity.

• For individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, it has been shown that interaction with animals helps to decrease agitation.

The list of benefits goes on and on, but it is clear that interaction with animals can bring a lot to elderly individuals. If you know of a senior who you think will benefit from a pet, bring it up to them or their family. If it doesn’t seem that they would be able to care for a pet, you can look to your community for pet therapy programs.

For more information on the benefits of pet therapy, you can visit the following websites:

Everyday Health: How Animal Therapy Helps Dementia Patients 

Love to Know Senior Citizens: Pet Therapy