Music, of course, has been an integral part of human life for thousands of years, but its benefits go far beyond Entertainment. Increasingly, researchers and healthcare professionals are recognizing the profound effects of music Therapy on our health, well-being, and even longevity.
Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based practice that uses music interventions to achieve therapeutic goals. Trained music therapists work with people of all ages to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. The therapy can involve listening to music, singing, playing instruments, or composing music, depending on the patient’s goals and preferences. Studies have shown that music therapy can be particularly beneficial for older adults, people with neurological conditions, and those experiencing Stress or chronic illness. Let’s take a closer look.
One of the most well-documented benefits of music therapy is its impact on brain health. A study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that listening to and playing music can enhance cognitive function, particularly in older adults. Researchers discovered that engaging in musical activities helps stimulate neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This is especially valuable in preventing and managing neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Additionally, a study from the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease revealed that music therapy can reduce agitation and improve mood in individuals with dementia. By activating areas of the brain associated with memory and emotion, music can help patients reconnect with their past and enhance their quality of life.
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The benefits of music therapy extend beyond the brain and into the cardiovascular system. Research suggests that listening to music can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate variability, and improve overall heart health. Per the American Heart Association, a study found that patients who listened to calming music after experiencing a heart attack had lower stress hormone levels and better recovery outcomes.
Yet another study from Harvard Medical School found that slow-tempo music, such as classical or Meditation music, can have a similar effect as deep breathing exercises, promoting relaxation and reducing the risk of hypertension. Given that cardiovascular health is a key predictor of longevity, these findings suggest that regular engagement with music therapy could contribute to a longer, healthier life.
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Stress is a major factor in Aging and disease. Chronic stress can lead to inflammation, weakened immune function, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Music therapy has been shown to lower cortisol levels—the hormone associated with stress—while simultaneously boosting dopamine and serotonin, which are linked to pleasure and relaxation.
Music therapy has also been used effectively to reduce symptoms of Depression, particularly in older adults. A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Psychiatry concluded that music therapy, when combined with standard care, is more effective at reducing depression than standard care alone.
Bob Marley famously said, “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” As it turns out, music therapy has also been used in hospital settings to help patients manage pain and recover from surgery more quickly. For instance, researchers found that people who listened to music before, during, and after surgery experienced less pain and required fewer pain medications than those who did not. Other studies showed that music therapy reduced chronic pain in older patients by promoting relaxation and increasing pain tolerance.
As we’ve reported here, social interaction is a key factor in longevity, and music has a unique ability to bring people together. Group music therapy sessions—such as singing in a choir or playing in an ensemble—can help combat loneliness, which has been linked to increased mortality rates. Research has found that loneliness and social isolation are associated with a 26-32% increased risk of premature death.
Music therapy fosters social bonds and provides a sense of purpose, particularly for people who may feel isolated. Programs like community drum circles and sing-alongs in assisted living facilities have been shown to improve mood, reduce feelings of loneliness, and enhance overall well-being.
Even without formal therapy sessions (click here or here to find a program near you), you can harness the power of music to enhance their health and longevity. Here are some simple ways to bring more music into your daily routine:
Listening to music we love not only makes us happy, but it is a powerful tool for enhancing health and well-being—and it may even help us to live longer. Research continues to show the many ways music can boost cognitive and cardiovascular function, reduce stress, manage pain, and strengthen those all-important social connections. Whether through professional therapy sessions or tuning in from the comfort of home, there are lots of science-backed reasons for bringing more music into your life.
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Content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition.
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