Music therapy activity and the elderly is a topic that has been researched thoroughly. There are many uses for music therapy in the medical field, and a lot of those uses apply at least partially, if not strictly, to the elderly. Some of the more useful applications of music therapy activity and the elderly are in the areas of Alzheimer's disease, Dementia, and general Geriatrics. But while these are the studies done solely on the elderly, there are other applications of music therapy that can apply to the elderly just as well as they apply to patients of other ages. For example, elderly patients with chronic pain, cancer, hearing impairment, or who have recently gone through a surgery or have lost a loved one can also benefit greatly from music therapy.
The most complete studies done on music therapy activity and the elderly have been done on Alzheimer's patients. Alzheimer's patients have tested higher in their cognitive abilities after being exposed to music therapy activity. While other kinds of therapy can also be applied to assist Alzheimer's patients, only music activities quantitatively prove that there is a significant increase in the patient's brain function.
Dementia is similar to Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, there is much more limited research as to the proven effects of music therapy activity and the elderly who suffer from Dementia. This is not to say, however, that music therapy activity does not work with elderly people who have Dementia. Many music therapists have witnessed great positive effects on patients and their caregivers who are exposed to music and music therapy on a regular basis. Because Dementia has similar symptoms as Alzheimer's disease, especially cognitive dysfunctions including memory and recognition problems, some of the research on Alzheimer's patients can be applied to Dementia patients.
Music therapy activity and the elderly have been studied not only for specific diseases, but also for the general geriatric healthcare. Music activities such as dancing can greatly improve the social habits and wellbeing of both general geriatric patients and those with Dementia. Creating social connections with another person through activities like dancing can bring out the liveliness in elderly people, and this will greatly improve their mood and overall happiness.
Much of the research on music therapy activity and the elderly patients it helps focused on the problem of agitation. For many geriatric patients, especially those with Dementia, agitation is one of the most difficult symptoms to control. However, using soft music can help quiet the agitated mind of geriatric patients, thus improving their mood and their health.
Music therapy activities are much more varied than it seems. Though it would be reasonable to think that music therapy would consist of music, the extent to which music can be used is far more expansive. From lyrics to dance, musical backgrounds and song sharing, music therapy activities can be custom fit to the patient they are meant to help. But learning more about each of these techniques can help patients and therapists get ahead of the problem and start getting to the solutions.
Using song lyrics is one of the more common music therapy activities in rehabilitative and counseling sessions. By writing lyrics about difficult things in your life, you might be able to see connections and solutions to your own problems. The therapists might have to rewrite the lyrics to a particular song you enjoy or to a song that you feel is similar to your feelings at the time. You might also be asked to write lyrics to a song about the life you want to create for yourself – whether this is related to psychological or physical changes.
Dancing to music is another way to encourage people to work through a number of problems. In the physical therapy setting, dancing and moving to the music are music therapy activities that can bolster strength as well as moods. By slowly working your way up to more strenuous activities, a patient can begin to feel more confident in their ability to move while also gaining strength and stamina along the way. With upbeat music, it's easier for people to continue working out too as they can feel inspired by the tempo or the lyrics in the songs they choose.
Just playing soft music in the background of a therapeutic session can be considered one of the more positive and practical music therapy activities. Every wonder why elevators always play soft and soothing music? Because this helps people relax and not worry so much about the elevator malfunctioning. On the opposite side of the music gamut, playing harder, louder and faster music can increase the heart rate and cause the person listening to make decisions more quickly than they should – that's why many stores play loud and penetrating music.
Therapists might also use music therapy activities that include sharing songs that the patient or the therapist feel are relevant to their discussions. By taking time to share a song, the patient doesn't have to talk as much about what they feeling, letting the music speak for them.
There are many music therapy activities that can help the patient reach their goals and the therapist to communicate in a positive and successful way.
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