ADDRESS: 2601 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL 60026
EMAIL: contact@chestnutsquare.info
TEXT or CALL US TODAY! (847) 998-1118
ADDRESS: 2601 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL 60026
EMAIL: contact@chestnutsquare.info
We’ve all experienced the phenomenon of hearing a favorite song played on the radio or television, and instantly having a wave of old memories wash over us from our personal associations to the melody.
Music stimulates some of the broadest networks in the human brain, including emotions, language, memory, and even the motor cortex—regardless of whether or not we’re even moving!
A study conducted by AARP has shown that a higher percentage of seniors who engage in music self-rate aspects of their quality of life and happiness as excellent or very good. They also report lower average levels of anxiety and depression.
What's more, music facilitates social interactions—another boon for the brain. When adults sing or perform together, they experience less loneliness and a better quality of life, compared with adults who don't create music with others. Both strong social ties and improved mental well-being are associated with reduced risks for cognitive decline and improved brain health as well.
8 WAYS TO TURN ON THE POWER OF MUSIC:
1. Put music in your life, and share it with friends and family. Music may improve well-being, including quality of life.
2. Dance, sing or move to music for exercise, stress relief, social connections and brain stimulation.
3. Listen to familiar music that comforts you and evokes positive memories and associations.
4. Try listening to new music, too. Unfamiliar melodies may stimulate your brain.
5. Listen to music to encourage yourself to exercise. Music can provide a mental boost and help motivate you to move your body.
6. Get your hearing checked. Correcting hearing loss is important for maintaining brain health, preserving cognitive function and enjoying music.
7. Make music yourself by singing or playing an instrument.
8. Make music with other people. Try joining or forming a community choir, a band or an orchestra.
Don and Agnes O’Grady, happily married for 62 years, have enjoyed the positive influence of music for decades. While Don was a successful stockbroker and Agnes served as reading and language coordinator at an elementary school, they also devoted countless hours to musical enrichment.
During their 25+ years volunteering at an Evanston soup kitchen, Don would play the piano to greet the guests while Agnes prepared the food and led everyone in song.
Now, as residents of Chestnut Square at The Glen, Don still serenades Agnes on their piano every night before dinner, and the couple frequently invites their neighbors over to join in the chorus.
“Experiencing the joy of music each day is part of the reason we’ve been able to remain so active and involved in our golden years,” says Agnes. “Music is totally immersive and feeds the soul…it’s been a great gift to both of us!”
To learn more about Chestnut Square at The Glen’s holistic approach to senior well-being, please call (847) 998-1118 or visit www.chestnutsquare.info
ADDRESS: 2601 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL 60026 | PHONE: 847 998 1118 | EMAIL: contact@chestnutsquare.info