Making music in old age can be a fulfilling experience. It keeps the mind active, promotes fine motor skills and brings a lot of joy. Whether you play in a senior band, practise on your own, sing in a choir or take part in a music workshop is up to you. The important thing is that you enjoy music. There is no age limit for learning and it is never too late to learn an instrument or improve your singing and dancing skills. The good news is that making music in old age keeps your brain fit and active. This is even confirmed by a British study, the results of which were published in the journal "Geriatrix Psychiatry"[mfn]Geriatrix Psychiatry: The relationship between playing musical instruments and cognitive trajectories: Analysis from a UK ageing cohort[/mfn] was published.
The British study and its findings
The results of a study published in the journal "Geriatric Psychiatry" suggest that regular music-making could be associated with improved brain health over the course of a lifetime. The research group from the University of Exeter analyzed data from over 1000 adults over the age of 40 who had taken part in the long-term "PROTECT" study. They found that people who played an instrument or sang in a choir had better cognitive function on average than those who did not engage in musical activities.
Making music vs. passive listening to music
One interesting finding of the study was that passive listening to music alone is not enough to promote cognitive health. Rather, it is active music-making, be it playing an instrument or singing in a choir, that seems to have a significant influence. The researchers emphasize that playing an instrument such as the piano, keyboard or wind instruments in particular is associated with an improvement in memory and the ability to solve complex tasks.
Gender-specific differences and the need for further research
Interestingly, the study showed that significantly more women than men were involved in musical activities. This raises questions about gender differences and highlights the need for further research in this area. It is noted that future studies should include a more in-depth analysis of musical abilities as well as other cognitive aspects such as attention and episodic memory.
Music as a cognitive reserve in old age
Study leader Anne Corbett emphasizes that music could be a way to use the cognitive reserve in old age. This so-called cognitive reserve helps to promote the agility and resilience of the brain. However, it is pointed out that it is not enough to simply listen to music, but that active musical activity is required to benefit from the positive effects.
Making music for seniors
Even at an advanced age, it is still possible to start playing an instrument successfully. Experienced seniors bring unique skills and characteristics that help them to take on new challenges. Whether you play an instrument or sing, music creates joy and brings people together.
With discipline and enthusiasm, you can make audible progress in a very short time. After just a few weeks you will hear your first successes and within two to four years you will be able to play at a good amateur level - perhaps even give a small home concert and inspire others with your music. That would be nice, wouldn't it?
In addition to the new skills, however, music brings with it many other positive aspects that can be important for senior citizens.
Positive effects of making music on physical and mental health
- Making music in old age can improve cognitive abilities and strengthen memory.
- It helps to reduce stress and promotes general relaxation by releasing the happiness hormones serotonin and dopamine.[mfn]Bild der Wissenschaft: How does music make you happy?
- Fine motor skills can be maintained and improved by playing an instrument or singing.[mfn]Deutschlandfunk: How making music stimulates old brains[/mfn]
- Making music in a group promotes social contacts.
- It helps to maintain and improve hearing abilities.
- Making music promotes the connection of nerve cells, which counteracts their deterioration and thus has a positive effect on one of the consequences of dementia.
- Musicians are happier. There are studies and scientific findings that musicians of all ages are "happier and more satisfied" than non-musicians.[mfn]RND: The magic of sound: Why music makes us happier and trains the brain[/mfn]
Senior choirs - Singing in a choir promotes social contact and prevents social isolation in old age
Senior choirs as a musical hobby are a great way for older people to share music and socialize. They offer the opportunity to learn and perform classical and modern pieces, work on singing technique and meet other people for a few hours.
Singing in senior choirs also has positive effects on health, as it exercises the breathing, lungs and brain. Senior choirs can increase self-esteem and strengthen a sense of belonging. They are therefore more than just a hobby - they bring joie de vivre, sociability, regular social contact and a mental challenge. You can find offers for senior choirs on the Internet, but you can also simply ask at the AWO, Caritas or Diakonie - they often have special offers for senior citizens. Alternatively, the local church community is always a good place to start.
Dance courses for seniors
There is little risk of injury when dancing, which makes it ideal for senior citizens. There are also a variety of adaptations that can be made to make dancing possible for everyone. One special type of dance for older people who are restricted in their movements is seated dancing.
In seated dance, participants usually sit in a circle and move to the music. It is fun and promotes movement, circulation, flexibility and body coordination. Seated dancing is often offered in groups and strengthens the sense of community and communication. In rollator dancing, the walking frame acts as a dance partner. For those who don't like dancing in pairs, there are suitable options such as line dancing or choreography dance courses that are great for doing on your own.
Musical instruments for seniors: These instruments are particularly suitable
With so many instruments to choose from, it is difficult to decide on just one. In the list below you will find instruments that are particularly suitable for making music for senior citizens for various reasons.
- Drum - promotes concentration and can have a meditative effect
- Piano - the production of sounds is achieved without a great deal of effort
- Veeh harp - can be played without any previous musical knowledge
- Recorder - it is very easy and quick to learn
- Harmonica - it is very easy and can be learned quickly
- Guitar - it is light, fits the body and can be played sitting down
Do senior citizens also have advantages when making music because of their age?
Yes, making music in old age offers advantages for senior citizens, as their motivation is greater and more sustainable than that of younger people. Many children and young people go to a music school or take lessons because their parents want them to, but they can hardly bring themselves to practice. When a senior citizen decides to take up music again, they have a high level of intrinsic motivation. This also makes practicing easier.
In addition to this positive effect, senior citizens also have enough time to consolidate and train their newly acquired skills. The whole thing is stress-free, because if you don't want to do any more, you just leave it "good" for the day.
Conclusion: Making music for senior citizens enriches their quality of life
Music can be a wonderful enrichment for your leisure time in old age. It provides a way to express your creative abilities and has positive effects on your mental and physical well-being. Whether it's learning a new instrument or reliving past times by playing old favorite songs, making music can be fulfilling and therapeutic. It promotes social interaction, improves memory and increases happiness. Making music in old age is a wonderful way to stay healthy and active while having fun.
Editor's note: The original article was published on 22.11.23 and last updated on 07.02.24. You can find more activity ideas for senior citizens in our article "150 activity ideas for senior citizens"!
