The Musical way to Better Brain Health

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We have all heard about the benefits of sending our children for music lessons. Why not send our parents for music lessons and let them enjoy the benefits too!

Do you want to play a musical instrument but think you are too old to learn? Are you recently retired and wondering how to fill your time? Maybe you have a piano at home which no one plays anymore?

We have all heard about the benefits of sending our children for music lessons from a young age. However, children are not the only ones who get to enjoy the benefits of music education. Adults too can benefit similarly from learning music. So why not take those music lessons ourselves, or even send our aged parents for music lessons. 

The benefits of taking music lessons as an adult go beyond simple enjoyment. The health benefits and positive effect on cognitive abilities are great incentives. Here are some of the benefits of learning to play a musical instrument as an adult :

Exercises the brain

Maintaining strong cognitive skills becomes a high priority as we age. Learning a musical instrument involves reading sheet music, counting rhythms and maintaining a steady beat. And all this while trying to sound musical at the same time. In other words, it is a great way to work on memory, concentration and coordination.

Relieves stress

Music lessons is the perfect opportunity to take time out from a hectic schedule, disconnect from technology, and focus on ourselves.

Gives a sense of purpose

Retiring from work does not mean retiring from life, it just means re-focusing our energy on new goals. Taking music lessons involves setting goals which may in turn provide a renewed sense of direction, motivation and purpose in life.

Boosts self-esteem

The feeling of being respected and valued that we experienced at our workplace may be missing after we retire. Achieving the musical goals that we set ourselves can be a source of great personal satisfaction, self-respect and pride

Helps us to connect with people

As we grow older, we are more likely to become isolated due to retirement, health problems, loss of loved ones, or living alone. Regular music lessons provide an opportunity to interact with others and meet people who share the same hobby

In fact, adults have some advantages over children when learning music!

  • Adults are more analytical, which makes it easier for us to grasp musical theory and recognise note patterns
  • Adults have better time management skills (usually!), which means we are more likely to practise regularly
  • Adults are more disciplined. Don’t agree? Well, look at the things in life that you have achieved so far e.g. graduate from university, hold down a decent job, raise a family, run a household. If you have done any of these things, you can learn to play a musical instrument if you set your mind to it!
  • Adults are able to set realistic expectations for themselves and do not give up so easily
  • Instead of being forced, adults can choose to take music lessons out of interest, which may result in a more satisfying and enjoyable experience 
  • Adults have better financial resources. We do not have to beg our parents to buy us a piano, guitar, etc.

Whatever your age group – 50s, 60s or beyond – here at Little Play Space, we have teachers who are patient and more than happy to teach you. So come and discover the happiness and pride of being able to play music. You might even reap some health benefits along the way.

Photo by Sven Read