Benefits of Music

September 07, 2022 | Blog | Reading Time 3:00 Minutes

Music contributes to greater happiness and improves overall mental and physical health.

The love of music benefits everyone, and opportunities to enjoy it are abundant in Wilmington and at Shipley Living.

These people knew what they were talking about when they coined what became their famous and inspirational music quotes:

“Without music, life would be a mistake” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” ― Bob Marley

“Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens.” ― Maria Augusta von Trapp

“Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence.” ― Robert Fripp

Music has benefits for everyone, including seniors. Music contributes to greater happiness and improves overall mental and physical health. A study published in the Oxford University Journal, Cerebral Cortex, found that memory can be enhanced by listening to music. 

Can you remember your favorite songs from years ago? The music you played over and over because it made you feel a certain way?  Recalling songs from the past often increases seniors’ happiness along with their memory. The joy music brings also gives people more confidence in their ability to recall memories. It must be frustrating not to be able to remember certain parts of your life, but playing music provides the opportunity to tap into precious memories. Music changes peoples’ overall mood, even if just for a moment… it’s a gift that everyone should have the opportunity to listen to, sing, and make.  

People who struggle with loneliness and want to improve their social interactions should take part in programs that offer the therapy provided by music. Being active in programs that include music helps to broaden social networks. As people listen to or make their own music, they interact with one another and build their social skills and friendships, which directly combats loneliness. 

Simply incorporating music into our lives is a step towards health benefits both mentally as well as emotionally, reducing pain, and giving stress relief. It also helps boost immune system health. 

Seniors’ quality of life and well-being is our number one priority at Shipley Living in Wilmington. Our retirement community offers our residents opportunities to experience and enjoy music through sing-alongs, live musical entertainment, and more.

Our greater Wilmington area has additional opportunities for seniors to get involved in learning and listening to music. Private music lessons from certified instructors can be found at the Music School of Delaware and through TakeLessons. Performances are abundant at The Grand Wilmington, and area parks. The Delaware Symphony Orchestra venues include Grand Opera House, DuPont Country Club, Hotel DuPont, and Cape Henlopen High School.

The love of music benefits everyone, and opportunities to enjoy it are abundant in Wilmington and at Shipley Living.