Illustration by Peter Greenwood
New music pushes the brain in ways that old favorites don’t, says Johns Hopkins Medicine. Ask your friends, grandchildren or neighbors what they’re listening to. It might not be your favorite at first, but unfamiliarity will challenge your brain to understand new sounds.
Moving to music not only helps improve your workout, but also puts you in a better mood, says the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Try a dance class, invite a friend to go dancing at a free concert in the park or simply rediscover some new moves in the comfort of your living room.
While the most benefits come from focused listening, just playing music in the background has its advantages, too. It can lift your mood and relieve stress, according to a 2020 study. Put on a playlist, radio or old record while you cook or do chores.
Swap out the standard jarring alarm buzz for a melodic track. Starting the day with a song can help you wake up more naturally and feel less groggy, according to the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.
Maybe you used to play an instrument and want to try it out again. Or perhaps there’s a local choir group you’ve been interested in joining. Whatever you choose, the NIH says that learning to play music can help decrease anxiety, improve communication and promote cognitive function. It’s also a great way to connect with fellow music lovers.
Local find: Giving Voice brings people with Alzheimer’s and their care partners together to sing in choruses that foster joy, purpose and community understanding. Find a chorus near you at givingvoicechorus.org.
