Since the early ages, individuals have used forms of music for various purposes, especially entertainment. Little did everyone know that music also offers benefits to the mind and body. Studies show that it can elevate the quality of life as it provides several health perks, even to adults.
While many people think that only young kids can benefit from music lessons, here are some points to show you how it could also help you in your life. But, before proceeding to the actual points, it’s worth noting that these lessons don’t focus only on formal tutorings and teachings from professionals. You can learn to play musical instruments on your own and even in the comfort of your bedroom and still benefit.
Here are six amazing benefits from learning music as an adult.
Music Strengthens Brain Function
Keeping your brain active and engaged all the time is one of the greatest gifts you could give yourself. As you age, your mind does, too, thus affecting your day-to-day lifestyle. Hence, you should take good care of it, as well. While there are tons of things and activities that may help you do this, one of the most effective is learning and listening to music.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins attest that music does wonders to the human brain. It is a great tool, which allows the brain to have its own “workout.” As a result, it strengthens all parts of the brain, and its functions.
Increases Blood Flow In Your Brain
Understanding and learning music also increases blood flow in the human brain. Studies from various universities found out that, in just half an hour of musical training, it already shows the effects on the blood flow, particularly in the left hemisphere of the brain, according to EurekAlert.
The studies also concluded that the results of musical training show a rapid change in cognitive functions, which people mainly utilize for music perception and language. Accordingly, regular attendance in music sessions and lessons could already bring positive impacts to the health of your brain.
Immune Response
Another surprising health benefit of listening to and learning music is that it can also be a long-term “medicine.” The American Psychological Association released a collection of studies centering on music’s ability to improve one’s health.
Based on one of the research studies, scholars found that playing musical instruments and listening to music regularly increases the body’s ability to produce antibody immunoglobulin A and “natural killer cells.” They are the ones responsible for attacking and eliminating viruses, as well as boosting the immune system. It’s worth noting that having a strong immune response reduces the risks of getting sicknesses, even ones that are fatal.
Reduces Stress, Promotes Recovery
Stress reduction and fast recovery are also some of the things that music offer a to every individual. Many studies have already proven the significant effects of learning and listening to music.
Harvard Health published a series of studies discussing the health benefits of music, especially on stress and recovery. In one of the observations, experts found that music decreases the patients’ need for a supplementary IV sedation even during urologic surgery. Some patients also needed less of the “calming medication” amid the stressful period.
However, this comes with reservations as a different study suggests that the tempo of music largely affects the results. Based on the experiments, the results showed that slow and meditative music provided a more relaxing ambiance, causing the subjects to experience calmness even during stressful scenarios.
On the other hand, music that has faster tempos provided an “arousing” effect to the subjects but, the heart rates and blood pressures immediately crashed below their usual rates.
Reduces Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
People with Alzheimer’s Disease experience various symptoms depending on the severity of the case. For individuals in the early stage, they would usually have recurring memory losses and struggles. For more severe cases they experience difficulties in completing simple day-to-day tasks, like operating a microwave oven or television.
While there is no cure yet for the condition, studies suggest that music can reduce these kinds of symptoms. Although it may not have the ability to eradicate them completely, learning and listening to music regularly strengthens the function of the brain, canceling further degradation.
If you are living with Alzheimer’s Disease, or you know someone who has it, engaging with them, alongside music, helps a lot. You may do a sing-along or a quick instrument lesson. Either way, it would be very beneficial.
Improves Mood and Social Interaction in Patients with Brain Injury
It may take time for some to recover completely from a brain injury, but music can help improve the overall state and condition.
Science Direct published a study that tackles the effects of music and music therapy on people recovering from brain injuries. Based on the results, it confirms that music is useful in the treatment process as it alleviates the mood and even reduces the risks of anxiety and depression.
This is part of the reason why many institutions now incorporate music therapies in their management programs for people who suffer from injuries, whether brain-related or not.
Aside from this, another research collection from Jon Lieff states that music evokes feelings which affects social interactions and activities, resulting in much faster recovery.
Final Thoughts
Music, alongside its effects, has long been studied by experts across the globe. While results remain inconclusive, studies have already proven its reliability and efficiency.
So, if you want to improve the quality of your life as you age, continue to learn more about music. Listen to it regularly, and try to incorporate it every day. Besides, you have nothing to lose when you try.
