Always Wanted to Learn to Play a Musical Instrument?
As many of us, especially seniors, are staying close to home and avoiding crowds this winter, it looks like we will have plenty of time on our hands. Rather than feeling sad about it, we should take advantage of the time and try to do something we have always wanted to do like learn to play a musical instrument, or pick up from where we left off as kids. After all we will have plenty of time to practice, and as research shows, exercising our brains are important to staying sharp. The Cognitive Vitality website reports on several recent studies that suggest music may enhance cognitive function and promote healthy aging. Researchers believe that musical training may increase the resiliency of the brain.
Further proof of the benefits comes from a study out of the University of South Florida, Tampa that also found it is never too late to reap the rewards. Participants included adults 60 to 85 years of age with no previous musical experience. Divided into two groups, one took individual piano lessons and the other group did not. Researchers found those who receive lessons had “more robust gains in memory, verbal fluency, processing speed and other cognitive functions, compared with those who had not received lessons.”
Seniors who are picking up instruments they played as children or starting out as beginners, say not only is it enjoyable but helps lower their stress. Moreover while studies suggest that active musical practice may provide the greatest level of neuroprotection, there is also evidence to suggest simply listening to music is beneficial to cognitive function and aging.
At the MorningStar Casa Sandoval, we proudly offer senior living Hayward area families trust. Our community has independent living and assisted living that is both affordable and accommodating. We have 233 private suites with a wide selection of floor plans (more than 40 different configurations) including studio, alcove and one and two-bedroom apartments. Casa Sandoval is managed by the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which has a reputation throughout the Western US for providing senior housing with heart! In addition we remain confident in our COVID-19 protocols for keeping all those beneath our roof safe.
MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about the finest independent living and assisted living in Hayward, CA.
Source:
alzdiscovery.org/cognitive-vitality/blog/does-music-benefit-the-brain#:~:text=Recent%20studies%20suggest%20that%20music,the%20resiliency%20of%20the%20brain.
aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2020/learn-to-play-instrument-coronavirus/?intcmp=MOA-HF-FF-R2-POS2-HS-VIDEO%20.html