Thank you, Frank, Cher, Aretha and the thousands of musical performing artists for the music you have given us over the years.
Although we have known it for years, a new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society confirmed that music has a significant effect on cognitive functioning for older adults with probable MCI or dementia. In addition, physically participating in music showed promise in supporting quality of life and mood within this population group*.
The study highlighted that with an ever-increasing prevalence of dementia around the world, it is critical to identify affordable, safe activities to support this group of older adults. Active music-making has shown to be an effective activity emphasizing the importance of re-creating music by singing and playing instruments and improvisation. The study went on to suggest that developing more programs with these activities and offering these to older adults could potentially provide millions of people with critical support for their cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.
At Portola Gardens, we have been using musical activities and programming for this very purpose. We bring in outside performers two to three times per week who sing, dance, laugh and entertain our residents. You can see a world of difference in the residents’ well-being after an hour of music and entertainment.
In addition, one of our care partners, Rosabell, who was a music instructor and physical education teacher in the Philippines, is now our Musical Activity Coordinator for the residents of Portola Gardens. You can find her at the piano almost every day, either playing familiar songs or conducting sing-a-longs with the residents and staff. It becomes a fun and exciting place to be with Rosabell at the keyboard!
A big Thank You to Judy, Liza, Tony and Rosabell for the Music!
https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.17208 Dorris et al., “Effects of Music Participation for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia”.
