Even if you have never played an instrument, it’s never too late to learn. - Pexels
When I’m feeling low, I blast some Journey or George Thorogood. Don’t Stop Believin’ and Bad to the Bone always give me an instant boost.
Music has always been a mood-lifter, a social glue, and even a sneaky form of exercise (especially if you like to sing or dance along). Lately, researchers have been digging deeper into what music can do for us as we age.
We examine whether music can truly boost memory, sharpen thinking, help chase off the blues and perhaps even combat diseases like dementia, and how you might incorporate music into your life.
What the science says
In 2024 Dr Alfredo Raglio at the Scientific Institute of Pavia Maugeri, Italy led a team of researchers who analysed 28 studies examining whether music-based activities help older adults experiencing mild memory and thinking challenges, or early-stage dementia.
The 28 studies included 1,612 participants, aged 69 to 85 years. The overall results showed regular musical activities, whether it is singing, playing an instrument, or dancing is helpful for keeping the mind active and working well.
The scientists also recommended daily music activities for slowing down the progress of diseases like dementia. However, some of the studies were not well designed. They did not have control groups or they didn’t do well in evaluating their data for other factors. This makes it hard to tell whether it is the music that is useful or whether it’s the social connection or even the physical activity. It may be all of those things together.
Malaysia’s practical suggestion
In 2019, researchers from Universiti Malaya led by Dr S J Liao, ran an excellent small randomised trial with 112 older adults that examined the effect of Tai Chi with music on older folks.
Participants lived in the community, not a care home, and had mild to moderate scores of depression.
Of these 57 were randomly assigned to the Tai Chi with music group and the other 55 were in the control group. Data was collected at the start and then every month for three months.
The researchers found that those in the Tai Chi with music group showed significant improvements for physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and also environmental impact, meaning feelings of safety and comfort.
The good news is that the results were large enough to suggest that Tai Chi with music can significantly improve both mental and physical well-being in older adults – even if they have depression.
Make music work for you
Tai chi in the park: Tai Chi is fabulous as it combines slow, flowing movements, breathing techniques, and meditation allowing you to stretch, build strength and promote calm too. There are Tai Chi groups in many parks, so just ask around. Bonus: it’s a super low-cost activity!
Go for karaoke: Gather a group of friends, and go sing old songs together. Many karaoke chains cater for the night crowd, so they offer super cheap rates for seniors who come in the afternoons before 5pm. Some even include free-flow drinks and desserts!
Community singing and dancing: Local council community halls are open to anyone, so you can go with friends, meet new people or both. Community halls are super affordable. For instance, the Penang Hawkers Association singing centre on Jalan Irrawadi, George Town, (open Thursday to Sunday) costs just RM3 per visit or RM10 for a month’s subscription.
Master an instrument: If you used to play as a child but gave it up, you can dust off your old guitar, flute or violin and find a community music group. These play for fun and often include affordable tutoring options too. If you’ve never played but always longed to let out your inner Jimi Hendrix or Mitsuko Uchida, check out music schools and local music shops. Some rent out musical instruments and provide affordable lessons for small classes tailored for seniors.
Gamelan Groups: The unique music from traditional gongs and drums graces our festivals and thanks to teachers working at NGOs, cultural organisations, universities and community centres the public can learn to play too. These groups typically provide the instruments but fees are usually subsidised. Plus, you may be invited to play at weddings and formal occasions!
Yangqin Groups: If you play the Guzheng, or Chinese zither, check out Chinese temples, NGOs, cultural organisations, and music schools for get-togethers. If you don’t play or need refresher classes, these organise affordable lessons.
The beauty of it is that there are also lessons online, so you can prep for a few weeks and then join a band. Bonus: you might play at weddings, Chinese New Year and other occasions.
(Editor’s note: You can also check out U3A (facebook.com/U3AMalaysia/) to see what music classes are available.)
Ellen Whyte is a British-registered counsellor and psychotherapist who has a soft spot for cats. She founded an online practice in 2016, and works with clients in 20+ countries. Email: ellen.whyte@gmail.com
