Have you been wondering how you can help your elderly loved one improve their cognition? This is something that is on the mind of just about every family caregiver. When it comes to caring for an elderly person, you have many options to help them improve cognitive functions. One of the things that can help a great deal is music. Research shows that music, or even white noise, can benefit cognition in the elderly in numerous ways.
Bringing Good Vibes
If your elderly loved one needs a pick-me-up, one of the things that can help them is music. Did you know that one reason why so many elderly people are depressed or have memory loss is due to stress? You can help to prevent depression, stress, and memory loss for your elderly loved one by playing music for them. When the senior care providers are there, they can play music for your elderly loved one, as well. Music can bring good vibes to your elderly loved one’s day.
Sharpening the Mind
One reason for cognitive issues in the elderly is that the brain isn’t used as often as it used to be. If this is the case for your elderly loved one, they need to find ways to sharpen their mind. Research shows that music can help to increase brain functions. This can help to prevent cognitive decline in your elderly loved one. Music can also help your elderly loved one to remember things from their past. These recollections can keep their mind sharp, as well.
Keep Moving
Did you know that physical activity is associated with better cognitive functions? The more that a person moves, the more active their brain is going to be. On the other hand, if your elderly loved one sits around most of the day, their brain isn’t going to be as active. One of the ways that you can get your elderly loved one to be more active is through music. They can tap their foot or even get up and dance.
Conclusion
These are some of the ways that music can help with your elderly loved one’s cognition. Now that you know the benefits of music for your elderly loved one, you can encourage them to make music a part of their daily life. Maybe their senior care provider can turn music on for your elderly loved one in the morning when they get up. You could dance with your elderly loved one in the evening when you go over for dinner. These are just some ideas on how music can be incorporated into your elderly loved one’s daily life.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6447697/