{"id":1471,"date":"2014-07-08T17:37:56","date_gmt":"2014-07-08T17:37:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senioradvisor.com\/blog\/?p=1471"},"modified":"2016-04-26T07:05:45","modified_gmt":"2016-04-26T12:05:45","slug":"three-ways-music-technology-improves-senior-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/d30braiqprupoq.cloudfront.net\/blog\/2014\/07\/three-ways-music-technology-improves-senior-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Ways Music Technology Improves Senior Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

3 Ways Music Technology Improves Senior Health<\/h1>\n

\"Senior<\/p>\n

At the tender age of 14, Michael Jackson sang, “There have been others, but never two lovers like music and me.” Recent research suggests that he may have been on to something.<\/p>\n

Some say that laughter is the best medicine. Music may heal the soul and much, much more. The effects are even more valuable as we age, and the benefits of music technology for seniors are becoming increasingly clear.<\/p>\n

Music Makes Your Heart Pump<\/h2>\n

What was the first song you slow danced to? Did your heart race when you first heard “Moon River”?<\/p>\n

A study by the University of Maryland shows that music has a positive effect on blood vessel function. Music not only increases blood flow, but also makes people happier and less anxious. Music also lowers blood pressure. These benefits help whether seniors live alone, with family or in assisted living in Baltimore<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Music Lets You Bounce Back<\/h2>\n

When someone goes under the knife, your first thought is hardly to bring them their favorite music. But you should! According to a study by the University of Kentucky, listening to music before surgery reduces pain. Listening to music after surgery helped improve recovery times. So the next time you visit a senior or a loved one in post-op, forget the flowers. Grab a song and come along; bring them their best-loved tunes instead.<\/p>\n

Music Eases Chronic Conditions<\/h2>\n

We all know many seniors who suffer from chronic conditions like heart disease. Diagnosis of a chronic disease can be devastating and the recovery long. But music can play a critical role in keeping you sharp throughout the ordeal. Scientists at the University of Helsinki found that music helped stroke patients regain visual awareness faster. The same study found that listening to music on a daily basis helped improve patients’ memories. Another study at the University of Texas discovered that music therapy helped cancer patients, too. Music encouraged communication, eased physical pain, and helped manage stress.<\/p>\n

You may not think of music as part of a chronic disease management program. It plays a critical role, even for mental health patients. Interacting with music expands the reach of music in your healthy life. Sing your own melody, play an instrument, or use smart phone apps that engage users with music. These can improve your mind while enhancing your mood.<\/p>\n

Show Me the Music!<\/h2>\n

Now that you know the salubrious effects of more music in yours and others’ lives, how can you get more of what you love? Many new apps provide novel and innovative ways to “find a world of sweet harmony” well into your dotage. All you need is a smartphone or tablet PC.<\/p>\n

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