Study Reveals Music’s Immense Power for Mental Health & Social Bonding
TL/DR –
Research from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging suggests that music offers a range of health benefits for older adults, including stress relief, improved mental health, and maintaining cognitive sharpness. The survey, which involved 2,657 adults aged 50 to 80, found that 98% get some health-related benefit from music; 85% listen to music a few times a week, while 41% attended live performances sometimes. The study also highlighted the role of music in reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness, thereby improving overall wellbeing among seniors.
Music and its Health Benefits for Older Adults – New Research Findings
Recent research from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging reveals that music offers numerous health benefits for older adults, enhancing mood, reducing stress, and retaining cognitive sharpness.
The majority of adult participants (98%) confirmed experiencing health-related benefits from music, including stress relief (75%), heightened joy (73%), and improved mental health (65%). Music also provoked memories (61%) and offered motivation (60%).
The “The Sound of Music” report is based on an online and telephone survey conducted on 2,657 older adults, aged 50 to 80, by NORC at the University of Chicago in July and August 2023.
The poll underscores the crucial role of music in the lives of older adults, suggesting that healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations should promote its importance.
“Music is embedded in the very fabric of human existence, offering joy and meaning to life,” Professor Joel Howell, MD, PhD, at the U-M Medical School, said in a statement.
Respondents also revealed that music provided a spiritual connection (36%), cognitive sharpness (31%), and social connection (27%), while some (7%) even reported pain reduction.
Most respondents reported listening to music several times a week (85%), watching musical performances in the past year (80%), and attending live musical performances at least occasionally (41%). Making music with others was also popular with 8% singing in a choir or playing an instrument with a group.
The survey exposed variations in music listening habits and health impacts among different groups. Individuals in fair or poor health, or feeling socially isolated, were less likely to listen to music daily. The health benefits of music, especially in terms of combating loneliness, should not be overlooked.
Music’s ability to foster connection, enhance mood, and potentially alleviate pain, could make it a potent tool for health and wellbeing, according to Poll Director Jeffrey Kullgren, MD, MPH, MS.
Senior Vice President of Policy and Brain Health at the AARP, Sarah Lenz Lock, highlighted the “universal language” of music as a key contributor to wellbeing. She added that AARP research confirmed music’s role in promoting healthy aging by enhancing mood, social connections, and possibly brain health.
The AARP and Michigan Medicine, the university’s academic medical center, supported the poll conducted at the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.
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