Imagine a world devoid of music—no school bands, no catchy commercials, and no Grammy Awards. It’s a bleak thought, isn’t it?
Thankfully, music has long been recognized across cultures for enriching lives and promoting health benefits. “We’ve known for centuries that music has health benefits, going back to the early philosophers and thinkers,” remarked Julene Johnson, a cognitive neuroscientist at UCSF’s Institute for Health & Aging (Vanchieri, 2024).
Recent research by Vetere et al. (2024) suggests that music, particularly when actively played, can benefit older brains significantly. The study highlighted a strong correlation between musical engagement and cognitive performance, demonstrating improved working memory and executive functioning among older adults who play instruments or sing.
Conducted with participants averaging 68 years old, predominantly female, and mostly musicians, the study underscores the cognitive advantages of musical activity later in life. The findings recommend integrating musical engagement into public health strategies for aging well and preventing dementia. Anne Corbett, co-author and professor at the University of Exeter, likened musical engagement to exercise for the brain. “Our brain is a muscle like anything else, and it needs to be exercised,” she explained. “Learning to read music is a bit like learning a new language; it’s challenging” (Foster, 2024).
UCSF contributes to the Sound Health Network initiative, collaborating with the National Institutes of Health, the Kennedy Center, and renowned opera singer Renée Fleming to promote awareness of music’s wellness benefits. “There’s immense potential for music to enhance lives,” Johnson affirmed to the AARP Bulletin (Vanchieri, 2024).
According to Levitan (2020), music supports brain adaptation and rewiring, benefiting older brains which are neuroplastic contrary to previous beliefs. Engaging in creative arts, such as dancing or sculpting, similarly stimulates brain activity, fostering adaptation and cognitive vitality.
So, after that gym session, why not dust off that old clarinet or keyboard? Taking your brain on a musical journey might just keep it humming along beautifully.
