Whether playing an instrument, singing in a choir or simply tapping your fingers to a song on the radio, a new survey shows that engaging with music can provide health benefits for older adults.
Three-quarters of people ages 50 to 80 said music helps them relieve stress or relax, and 65% said it helps their mental health or mood, according to survey results. University of Michigan National Survey on Healthy Aging .
The survey found that nearly all older adults (98%) said they benefit in at least one health-related way.
Two in five adults ages 50 to 80 (41%) said music is very important to them. Black and Hispanic older adults are more likely to find music very important.
“Music has the power to bring joy and meaning to life,” said Dr. Joel Howell of the University of Michigan Medical School, who worked with the survey team. “It is woven into the very fabric of all humanity’s existence.”
The benefits are not only emotional, they are also related to health. “We know that music is associated with positive effects on measures ranging from blood pressure to depression,” Howell said.
Some older adults make music with others: 8% said they sing in a choir or organized group at least a few times a year, and 8% play an instrument with others at least occasionally.
The survey showed that 80% of respondents said they watched music performances on television or online at least sometimes in the past year, and 41% reported attending live music performances in person at least sometimes, with this last higher percentage. among those with higher incomes and more education.
According to the survey, those who said their physical health is fair or poor, and those who say they often feel isolated, were less likely to listen to music every day.
“While music does not frequently feature in older adults’ visits to their usual care providers, perhaps it should,” said survey director Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren. “The power of music to connect us, improve mood and energy, or even relieve pain, means it could be a powerful tool.”
The survey of 2,657 adults ages 50 to 80 was conducted online and by phone in July and August 2023. The margin of error is 1 to 5 percentage points.
2024-02-08 04:33:35
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