|
|
|
|
Greetings!
Perhaps you’ve seen some of the research about how music education makes for “smarter” kids. Well guess what?
Studies are now showing that older adults who are involved in creative activities such as music, poetry, dance, and art can delay dementia, fight depression and improve health.
Wow! That’s pretty impressive!
Gene Cohen, a renowned geriatric psychiatrist, conducted “The Creativity and Aging Study”. The average age of the participants in the controlled study was 80 and the study was conducted over a three year time span. Results showed that the people assigned to the group participating in the arts required fewer medications and doctor visits than the control group. They even had fewer falls.
Turns out that our brains, whether young or old, respond positively to mastering a new skill. It forces the brain to make new connections.
Perhaps more importantly, participating in the arts creates more social engagement, which is credited with aging better, both physically and mentally.
Cohen has written a book, “The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life”. Based on his research, he claims that people involved in creative activities feel better, remain more independent and lead more meaningful lives.
Sounds like a pretty good prescription to me. I think I’ll keep on singing!
Won’t you join me?
Musically yours,
Mary Sue
PS. Want to learn more? Visit my website by clicking the button below for links to additional resources about Creative Aging.
|
|
Mary Sue Recommends:
My kindred spirit Heather Kingham leads the TC Sings Community Choir. Members of this choir are all ages, however many are older adults “aging creatively”.
Sing With All Your Heart [Article link]
|
|
Have you got just a minute?
Watch this brief video to hear local seniors talk about singing with Young at Heart Music.
|
|
|
Share this newsletter using Facebook, Twitter or by email using the buttons below.
|
|
|
 Mary Sue Wilkinson is the founder of Singing Heart to HeartTM and the Young at Heart Music Program. She is a career educator and professional musician. And she loves to sing! Her flagship program, Young at Heart Music, is devoted to bringing the joy of music and singing to seniors with decades of life experiences and memories tied to music. Mary Sue is available as a speaker sharing her expertise about the power of music to awaken memories and bring joy. Together with Tiyi Schippers, Mary Sue also provides music experiences for young children and training for early childhood educators.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
