Music is powerful: it reaches into our distant memories and evokes moments we thought were long forgotten. Engaging with music can be especially beneficial for our brains as we age, boosting mood, memory, and wellbeing. In this article, we explore: How does music improve brain health? And how can we use it to our advantage?
Why Music Memories Stick
While behaviours like spoken language are usually processed in specific brain areas, music lights up multiple regions at once, including those related to emotion, language, movement, and long-term memory.
Activating these regions is especially important as we age, much like how we exercise to keep our muscles strong and healthy.
👉 Music may also help with dementia: A 2015 study from the University of Helsinki found that singing and listening to music can improve working memory, mood, and even orientation in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
The Benefits of Music for Brain Health
Research and lived experience show that music can bring many therapeutic benefits, particularly for seniors and people living with dementia.
1. Reduces Stress
Listening to music triggers the release of endorphins, also known as ‘feel-good hormones’. Playing familiar music during care routines (like bathing or mealtimes) can reduce anxiety, lower stress, and improve overall wellbeing.
💡Did you know: Music isn’t just beneficial for people with cognitive impairment, but it can also reduce anxiety in caregivers too?
2. Promotes Self Expression
We know that emotional wellbeing is critical for health, and music is an important way to share feelings without words. It's accessible. Even those who find it hard to speak can engage with music.
3. Stimulates Cognitive Function
Singing, clapping, and dancing to music strengthen the mind-body connection and can spark memories, which can help slow cognitive decline.
👉 Ever heard of "Brain Games" to help with memory loss? Read: The Truth about Brain Games and Memory
4. Strengthens Social Connections
In group settings, sing-a-longs can enhance feelings of social wellbeing and connectedness. Music also opens the door to shared memories and storytelling. It’s a simple, heartfelt way to spend meaningful time together.
How to Include Music in Your Daily Routine
Want to include music into your daily routine, but not sure where to begin? Here are some ideas to get started:
✅ Make a personalised playlist: Why not create a playlist of songs that uplift and inspire? Check out BBC Music Memories to find era-specific music that could unlock treasured memories.
✅ Try an instrument: Simple percussion instruments like tambourines, hand drums, or keyboards can spark joy and movement.
✅ Start a sing-along session: Group singing brings people together. Print lyric sheets or use easy call-and-response tunes. A weekly singalong at a care home, or simply humming a tune with your loved one, can be a meaningful way to bond.
✅ Work with a music therapist: Music therapists offer helpful guidance and are trained to find music that meets your health goals and preferences.
▶ Starting with music doesn’t need to be complicated. If you're listening to music with a loved one, ask gentle questions like, "Do you remember who sings this?" or "What does this song remind you of?" You might be surprised at the stories that surface.
Final Thoughts: How Music Supports Brain Health and Connection
Music has a quiet way of reaching people, even when words can't. A simple song can bring comfort, spark memories, and help loved ones feel seen.
At Elli Cares, we believe in those small, powerful moments. That’s why our app offers gentle memory prompts to help people reconnect with themselves and the ones they love.
👉 Learn more about how Elli Cares supports memory and connection at: elliapp.co
