Singing a Song for Elder Care Can Offer Lasting Benefits

By Jamie Shapiro | June 9, 2015 | Comments Off on Singing a Song for Elder Care Can Offer Lasting Benefits

Elder Care in Skokie IL

Most people will admit they enjoy singing (mostly in the privacy of their own home). Singing along to favorite songs, whether they are oldies, hymns, modern music that’s on the radio today, or anything else is a great way for people to express their joy, sadness, concerns, and more. Music has a powerful ability to connect people with one another.

For somebody who relies on (or requires but hasn’t yet hired anyone) elder care, encouraging them to sing can provide them many benefits. Some of those benefits are short-term while others will last for years to come.

Why people sing.

You could ask 100 different people why they sing, whether it’s in the privacy of their own home, in the shower, in the car while driving to work, or in front of others, and get nearly 100 different answers. People sing for a lot of different reasons. Some enjoy the process of singing. They feel connected to the artist, the song, the lyrics, or anything else.  Singing properly requires the use of certain muscles in the body. Not a lot of people without professional training actually sing properly, but that doesn’t stop them, nor should it.

Some of the benefits of singing.

One of the most significant benefits to singing, especially for somebody who relies on elderly home care is the mental boost they can receive. Just imagine somebody listening to a song from their youth and suddenly singing along to it once again. It’s an interesting experience when you can play a song you haven’t heard in 20, 30, or even more years and immediately start picking up the lyrics as though you just listened to it yesterday.

Every single experience and memory is stored within the brain. They don’t just go away; people don’t simply forget these things. They are stored in the subconscious levels in the mind until they are needed. Listening to a specific song will tap into those long hidden memories and that can boost neural activity within the brain.  Doing this on a regular basis can give the brain valuable exercise that can help stave off memory loss and even reduce the risks of certain types of dementia.

So the next time a senior is looking for a fun activity to do, whether it’s on their own or with the caregiver, recommend they share some of the songs they used to listen to in their youth. Even if they haven’t heard them in 50 or more years, they’ll likely bring back many wonderful memories, and singing along with them will boost mental stimulation even more.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care services in Skokie, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Jamie Shapiro
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