As we begin to grow old, we are faced with many challenges as to how we care for our bodies and minds as aging citizens. One question that is commonly talked about is: what can we do to take care of our bodies? One of the more up-and-coming answers is music therapy. Research has shown that it improves cognitive function, quality of life, physiological responses, and overall well-being of older adults.

Anyone who has seen an elderly person listening to music, their eyes begin to light up as soon as they hear the music. Research has been done that songs that are recognizable can help recall memories from the past that they don’t normally remember. This specifically occurs with elders who are suffering from dementia. I’ve personally witnessed this first hand. A woman that I know has been suffering from dementia and has very little memory of anything from the past. One day, she sat down in front of a piano and began playing a melody. She knew exactly what to play, and it was beautiful. It really brings a tear to your eye watching and listening to her play, and I am amazed that she was able to know exactly how to play after having very little memory.

Music can offer connection and comfort in times of declining health, memory loss, and the feeling of isolation. By using music therapy, we are making sure that elders are still experiencing joy and meaning as they age. After all, while memory is fading for most elderly adults, music can bring that light back into their eyes.