Memory Improvement is Music to Your Ears Honore Stockley, Making Music Magazine AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com, 03-21-05 People are not only living longer these days, they want to remain active for as long as possible. Because of this an increasing focus in the medical community focuses on the need to keep the brain active, preventing debilitating dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease. Experts believe that in order to maintain a healthy brain, the gray matter should be exercised as regularly and as rigorously as the heart. In order to keep the brain sharp, it’s crucial to maintain strong social ties with friends and family, to avoid stress, to maintain a purpose to life even after retirement, and to continue to learn new and complex skills. There is an activity that can roll all of these recommendations into one. Those of you who already enjoy taking piano lessons as part of a group, or strumming a guitar as you sing lullabies to your grandchildren, already know about music making’s lifelong wellness benefits. Those who need more convincing might consider the following: Older adults participating in group keyboard lessons were found to have significantly increased levels of human growth hormone, which can prevent such aging phenomena as depression and lethargy Link between making music and reduced risk to cognitive disorders is discussed in a 21-year medical study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Music making is used to combat burnout and increase productivity in the corporate world, among long-term care nurses and Toyota executives. Music making is increasingly used in palliative care since it is used to trea Parkinson’s disease. A long-term study of 3,500 people with an artistic activity reported fewer doctor visits, less medication, fewer falls, less depression, and higher morale. A number of musicians playing and performing well into retirement age support the benefits of music. Baby Boom rockers such as Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, and Bonnie Raitt are still wowing audiences half their age. 85-year-old jazz pianist George Shearing has just released an album, for example, and guitarist Lester Polfus, better known as Les Paul, is still performing live at age 89! There is a growing movement, called Recreational Music Making, that promotes the health benefits of making music. This movement seeks to involve everybody in making music for “non-musical outcomes.” In other words, all Recreational Music Making demands is that people relax and have fun playing, and the wellness benefits will follow. Many instrument manufacturers are standing behind the movement, creating recreational programs of their own. Yamaha has developed the digital piano-based Clavinova Connection, while drum manufacturer Remo organizes community drum circles, for instance. Making Music is a unique magazine, www.makingmusicmag.com, for music hobbyists and veteran musicians. The magazine is a one-stop resource for enthusiasts, offering information, instruction, and inspiration so readers can get the most out of their exciting hobby. The magazine’s philosophy is that making music is fun and beneficial at any age! Instead of focusing on one instrument or genre, as most music magazines do, our magazine covers the range of the Recreational Music Making world, from brass bands to rock and roll, from group keyboard lessons to drumming circles. Making Music appeals to adults in mid to late life who have the time, money, and desire to explore a pastime that has significant physical, psychological, and social benefits. See related articles in AgeVenture archives. Read more headline news in AgeVenture's Headline News Read more lifestyle news in AgeVenture's Lifestyle Back to Top