Harmonious Healing: Benefits of Music Therapy for Seniors

Author

CC YOUNG

For more information about the author, click to view their website: CC Young Senior Living

Posted on

Feb 23, 2024

Book/Edition

Texas - Dallas, Collin, SE Denton & Rockwall Counties

share-this
Share This

Harmonious Healing: Benefits of Music Therapy for Seniors

February 6, 2024 | Tiffany Wyndham Hunt, MA, MT-BC, Music Therapist – Board Certified

As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, and maintaining a good quality of life can become a challenge. In this pursuit of well-being, music therapy for seniors has emerged as a powerful and uplifting tool. Beyond being a source of joy and entertainment, music therapy has proven to offer physical, emotional and cognitive benefits for supporting quality of life.

Music Therapy Explained
What is music therapy anyway? According to the American Music Therapy Association, it’s the use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. Music therapy is administered by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

Enhancing Cognitive Function
Music has a unique ability to stimulate multiple regions of the brain simultaneously. For seniors, especially those dealing with cognitive decline or dementia, participating in music therapy can help activate neural pathways and improve their cognitive function. The rhythm, melody, harmonic progression, instrumentation, style of music, and so many other aspects can support reminiscence and memories, communication, alertness, engagement and cognitive response.

Breakthrough Behaviors
Barbara, a CC Young memory support resident, appeared tired and, when asked by our music therapist how she was doing, she commonly answered that she was “hanging in there.” During one music therapy session, Barbara was given a small tambourine and naturally began to play it. Barbara gradually became more engaged, including the time when “Take Me Home, Country Roads” was playing, and she commented, “Virginia is far away.” This was an exciting breakthrough during the session, as Barbara had been reluctant to participate.

Emotional Well-Being
Music has a powerful and scientifically based ability to evoke emotions and memories. Due to changing living circumstances that often accompany aging, seniors may face challenges such as loneliness, depression or anxiety. Music therapy offers an emotional outlet, comfort, relaxation and a sense of connection. Listening to or singing familiar tunes or participating in music-making activities lifts spirits, reduces stress and creates a positive emotional environment. Music is innate in our culture, and it is therefore a source of grounding. So when music is intentionally employed by a music therapist, it can produce noticeable comfort, enjoyment and camaraderie.

At the beginning of one particular group music therapy session, CC Young resident Rose was dozing in her chair. When approached by our music therapist who was playing the song “New York, New York,” Rose awoke with a big smile, began singing along and played a hand drum while moving to the beat of the music. She perked up, sharing with the group memories of her times visiting New York City and how much she loved shopping there.

Physical Rehabilitation
Music therapy programs for seniors dealing with physical ailments or limitations can also be integrated into rehabilitation plans of care. The rhythmic patterns and coordinated movements associated with music aid in improving motor skills, coordination and overall physical well-being. Whether through dance, rhythmic exercises or playing instruments, seniors experience benefits in movement that promote physical and mental health, often aiding their rehab and road to recovery.

Social Connection
Music brings people together and finds common ground regardless of race, language and socio-economic factors. Music therapy does the same thing. Through group activities or one-on-one sessions, it creates a sense of community and social connection. Group singing, drum circles or interactive musical games provide opportunities for social interaction, which reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness. Music therapy creates a sense of belonging and emotional support.

Habla Español
At CC Young, occasionally, we will care for a resident for whom English is a second language. When Julio came to CC Young for rehab services, he was encouraged to participate in music therapy as part of his care plan. He was delighted to know the music therapist spoke Spanish and had fun joining the therapist in singing Spanish hymns.

Improved Sleep Quality
Sleep disorders are common among seniors, and they can affect physical and mental health. According to UC Davis Health, music at around 60 beats per minute, which is the same as a relaxed heart, can slow your heart rate, reduce blood pressure and promote better sleep patterns, contributing to overall improvement in quality of sleep. Likewise, listening to calming music before bedtime or incorporating music into relaxation routines can promote better sleep patterns and contribute to an overall improvement in sleep quality.

In the symphony of life, music therapy stands out as a harmonious healer on multiple levels for older adults. Music therapy’s ability to address physical, emotional and cognitive well-being makes it a valuable and accessible tool for seniors. As we continue to explore the therapeutic potential of music, it becomes increasingly clear that the melody of life can be enriched, and the challenges of aging can be met with the uplifting power of music therapy.

Want to learn more about music therapy for seniors? Contact us and get in touch with a CC Young senior living expert today.

Other Articles You May Like

Why Senior Move Management Is About More Than Just Boxes By A Call to Order Professional Organizers

Behind Every Box, Theres a StoryWhen a senior transitions to a new home whether its downsizing, moving into assisted living, or relocating to be closer to family its never just a move. Its a tender journey through memories, milestones, and meaningful belongings. And while boxes are part of the process, the heart of senior move management lies in something deeper: honoring a life well lived while gently preparing for a new chapter.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that Senior Move Management is a service of the heart. We do more than packwe listen, support, guide, and care. Because the emotional side of moving is often the heaviest part to carry, not the furniture.The Emotional Weight of Letting GoMore Than Just ThingsIts a Lifetime of MemoriesFor most seniors, a move isnt simply logisticalits emotional. Every drawer holds decades of treasures. Every photo frame carries a story. Even everyday itemsdishes, books, linenscarry the echoes of a familys past.Thats why professional senior move management isnt just about speed or efficiency. Its about compassion. Its about understanding that grief and gratitude often show up side by side in this process.Here are a few things that make this transition especially tender:Attachment to Home: Seniors may have lived in the same house for 30, 40, even 50+ years. Its more than a structureits their safe space, a backdrop to birthdays, holidays, and quiet mornings.Fear of the Unknown: Moving into a smaller space or senior community may feel like giving up independence, even when its for health or safety.Overwhelming Decisions: Choosing what to keep, donate, or discard can feel like rewriting your own history.At A Call to Order, we meet seniors where they areemotionally, mentally, and physically. We slow the process down when needed. We celebrate memories. We pause to hear the stories. Because for us, organizing isnt just about the stuff. Its about honoring the person behind it.Gentle Guidance, Real SolutionsHow We Support the Whole JourneyPlanning, Comfort, and Care from Start to FinishWhile emotions run deep, the practical side of a move can feel just as daunting. Coordinating movers, sorting through decades of belongings, downsizing furniture, updating addressesit can be exhausting and overwhelming, especially for older adults and their families.Thats where Senior Move Management services shine.Heres what sets our approach apart:Customized Planning: Every family and situation is different. We build a personalized plan that suits your timeline, pace, and priorities.Hands-On Organizing: We gently sort, declutter, and categorize belongingsoffering compassionate support every step of the way.Rightsizing, Not Just Downsizing: We help make the new home feel familiar and functional by designing layouts that support safety, accessibility, and comfort.Family Coordination: Whether family is across town or across the country, we serve as a calm, central point of communication and guidance.Post-Move Support: We dont stop at the doorstep. We unpack, set up, and create spaces that feel like home from the moment you walk in.Were proud that many families say our services feel like working with a trusted friend. Because thats how we approach every movewith empathy, dignity, and a heart for service.A Loving Transition Is PossibleA move in our later years isnt the end of the storyits the beginning of a new chapter. One with less burden and more peace. One where seniors feel safe, supported, and valued.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe senior move management is truly about peoplenot things. Its about making space not just in the home, but in the heart. And were honored to walk alongside every client, every family, and every memory on the journey. Lets begin with a conversation. Call us today at 719-231-5425 Visit us online: www.acalltoorderco.com Stay Connected With UsFor more heartful support, organizing tips, and senior care insights: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acalltoorderco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACalltoOrder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acalltoorderco/Lets make this move meaningfultogether.

Why Senior Move Management Makes Life Transitions Easier by A Call to Order Professional Organizers

Why Senior Move Management Makes Life Transitions Easier by A Call to Order Professional OrganizersSupporting Seniors with Care, Compassion, and ClarityLife ChangesWe Help Carry the Emotional WeightEvery home holds a lifetime of memoriesbirthdays celebrated in the kitchen, quiet mornings on the porch, the smell of favorite meals cooked with love. So when its time to move, especially for a senior, its never just about boxes and furnitureits about letting go, starting again, and doing so with dignity.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the deep emotional layers of senior relocations. Whether you're moving a parent into assisted living or helping a loved one downsize, the process can feel overwhelmingfor everyone involved. That's where Senior Move Management becomes not just helpful, but essential.Senior move managers aren't just organizers. We're listeners, planners, advocates, and compassionate companions in what is often one of life's most emotional transitions. And for families navigating this journey, having that steady, understanding hand can make all the difference.How Senior Move Management Brings Peace to the ProcessBecause no one should feel rushed, lost, or alone during a move.Relocating later in life often comes with a swirl of emotionsgrief, uncertainty, fear of change. Add to that the physical strain and countless decisions that come with moving, and its easy to see how overwhelming it becomes. But with professional senior move support, what once felt unmanageable becomes a guided, step-by-step process grounded in care.Heres how we help make life transitions easier:1. A Clear Plan Reduces OverwhelmInstead of facing an entire house full of decades-worth of belongings, we break the process down into manageable steps. From sorting and downsizing to coordinating moving logistics and setting up the new home, everything is planned and paced for comfort and clarity.2. Emotional Support Is Just as Important as the Task ListOur team doesnt just focus on what needs to go wherewe focus on how it feels. We understand that parting with familiar items and leaving a long-time home can be heart-wrenching. We honor those feelings, allow space for them, and help families navigate them with kindness.3. We Make the New Space Feel Like HomeIts not just about moving thingsits about creating a safe, welcoming, and familiar environment in the new home. We recreate setups where possible, hang favorite artwork, place treasured items in view, and make sure the first day in the new space feels comforting and reassuring.Tips for Families Navigating a Senior MoveCompassion is the most important box to pack.Whether you're local or coordinating from afar, here are a few gentle ways to support a senior loved one through a move:1. Start Early and Go SlowGive the process time. Beginning conversations early allows room for thoughtful decision-making and minimizes last-minute stress. Rushing can lead to regret. Early planning is one of the most powerful tools for reducing anxiety.2. Honor Their StoryWhen sorting through belongings, listen to the stories behind the items. You might be surprised how healing it can be to reminisce. Ask questions like, Tell me about this photo or Who gave you this? Sometimes, being heard is just as important as being helped.3. Bring in a Neutral, Professional PartnerAs much as family means well, emotions can run high. A Senior Move Manager acts as a neutral guide, keeping the process organized and respectful while reducing tension between family members. We help keep the focus on what mattersa peaceful, positive transition.4. Focus on Whats Being GainedInstead of focusing only on whats being left behind, talk about whats ahead: a simpler space, closer community, more safety, or better access to care. Reframing the move as a new chapter helps ease the emotional weight.A Move with MeaningAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we know that a move is never just a move. Its a moment of transformation, one that deserves tenderness, understanding, and a team who truly cares.Thats why Senior Move Management is more than a serviceits a lifeline. We take on the physical burden, yes, but more importantly, we walk beside seniors and their families with warmth and respect, ensuring that no one ever has to face change alone.If you or a loved one is approaching a move and feeling overwhelmed, please know this: help is here, and it comes with a heart. Call us at 719-231-5425 or visit www.acalltoorderco.com to schedule a free consultation.Because making life transitions easierthats what were here for.FOLLOW US and stay inspired as you simplify and transition with love: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acalltoorderco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACalltoOrder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acalltoorderco/

How to Approach Tough Senior Move Conversations by A Call to Order Professional Organizers

How to Approach Tough Senior Move ConversationsGentle Talks That Open the Door to a Brighter Tomorrow Few conversations are as emotionally delicate as discussing a move with a senior loved one. Whether its downsizing to a smaller home, transitioning to assisted living, or clearing a longtime residence, these talks touch deep feelings of independence, memory, and identity. For many families, this moment is filled with uncertainty: How do we bring it up? Will they feel hurt or betrayed? What if they say no?At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that these tender conversations, when handled with care and love, can become opportunities for connection and growth. With the right approach, families can honor their loved ones feelings while gently guiding them toward a new chapter of safety and peace.Start with Empathy, Not LogisticsLead with the heart, and the rest will follow.Before any talk of movers or packing, remember this: a seniors home is not just a building. Its a lifetime of memories, milestones, and meaning. That kitchen may hold memories of holiday dinners. That chair might be where Dad read his morning paper. A move often feels like leaving part of themselves behind.Here are heartfelt steps to begin the conversation:1. Choose the Right Time and PlaceAvoid rushing into the topic during a stressful or emotional moment. Find a quiet, private time when everyone is calm. This shows respect and allows space for open, honest communication.2. Listen First, Talk SecondAsk gentle questions like, How are you feeling about the house these days? or Is anything at home starting to feel overwhelming? Listening with compassion builds trustand trust makes future decisions easier.3. Acknowledge Their EmotionsSay things like, I know this is really hard, or I can see how much this home means to you. Validating their emotions shows them youre not just trying to make decisions for them, but with them.4. Focus on Their Well-BeingCenter the conversation on care and safety, not on whats convenient for the family. Share your concerns lovingly: I want you to feel safe when moving around the house, or We want to make sure youre comfortable and supported every day.Build a Plan Together, One Gentle Step at a TimeEmpowerment is the bridge between fear and acceptance.Once the initial conversation has opened the door, its time to move forwardbut slowly, and with full inclusion. Seniors who feel part of the planning process are more likely to accept and embrace the move.1. Make a Family PlanGather key family members and involve the senior. Together, outline a general timeline, and identify roles. Who will help with packing? Who will handle paperwork? Make sure the seniors voice is front and center.2. Consider Professional SupportThis is where A Call to Order Professional Organizer comes in. We help remove overwhelm by guiding seniors and families through every phase of the move. Our team offers compassionate, step-by-step assistancefrom organizing and downsizing to setting up their new home with care.3. Take Breaks and Celebrate ProgressEmotionally heavy tasks like sorting through a lifetime of belongings can take a toll. Build in regular breaks. Reflect on joyful memories. Celebrate small wins, like donating gently used items to a local charity or passing heirlooms down to grandchildren.4. Tour New Spaces TogetherIf the move includes a transition to assisted living or a smaller home, visit the new space together. Talk about how to make it feel cozy and familiar. Bring their favorite chair or family photos. Let them dream a little about decorating or setting up a new routine.Loving Conversations Build Stronger FuturesApproaching a senior move isnt easybut it doesnt have to be heartbreaking. With tenderness, patience, and the right support, these conversations can lead to safer environments, simpler living, and a renewed sense of peace.At A Call to Order, we believe in honoring the emotional side of every move. Were here to help families bridge the gap between I cant imagine leaving and Im ready for whats next.Lets make this transition togetherwith love, understanding, and a plan made just for your family. Ready to talk about a senior move with kindness and clarity?Visit www.acalltoorderco.com or call 719-231-5425.Because every move deserves more than just boxesit deserves a soft place to land.FOLLOW US and stay inspired as you simplify and transition with love: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acalltoorderco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACalltoOrder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acalltoorderco/

Local Services By This Author

CC Young Memory Support

Memory Care 4847 W Lawther Dr, Dallas, Texas, 75214

We are dedicated to enriching the lives of living with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. Our team members are specially trained to empower residents to live as independently as possible. As a proud MUSIC & MEMORY Certified Care Organization, this important music program helps residents to reconnect with friends and family. Call for more information and schedule a time to visit The Vista and our Assisted Living Memory Support community.

Home Healthcare by CC Young

Home Health 4847 W Lawther Dr, Dallas, Texas, 75214

Helping You Gain Strength & Confidence - Do you need healthcare as prescribed by your doctor after receiving a diagnosis, or after surgery, rehab or stroke? Our Home Healthcare offers skilled services - all delivered by our compassionate and experienced team. We offer Home Healthcare wherever a senior calls home.

CC Young Skilled Nursing

Skilled Nursing 4847 West Lawther Dr., Dallas, Texas, 75214

Our five-star CMS rated community is comprised of caring experts who help you or your loved one live life to the fullest. We invite you to visit The Vista and our Skilled Nursing, Long-Term Care, Respite, and Rehabilitation/Aquatics Center.