Music therapy—and entertainment—for seniors

By Rachel Bunch, Alto and Marketing Team Leader for Magnolia Chorale

The Magnolia Chorale had the honor of singing for the residents at Aegis Living of Queen Anne at Rodgers Park last weekend. As an ensemble that strives to do community outreach, we often get the opportunity to share the stage with middle school and high school choirs around Seattle. However, our favorite concert each season is sharing our music with senior citizens.

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Music is known to help seniors with many aspects of their lives. It can improve health and mental well-being and bring joy. Here are just a few examples: ​

• Cognitive skills: For dementia patients, music has been proven effective in eliciting a positive response and involvement, even when the patient can no longer communicate.
• ​​S​peech skills: Music can help slow the deterioration of speech and language skills in dementia patients. It also has been proven that Alzheimer's patients can hum and sing along to their favorite songs, even when they can't remember what is going on around them.
• Stress reduction: Many caregivers have difficulty managing their aging loved one's stress and agitation. Playing music often helps relax and ease aggressive behaviors.

• Physical skills: Music often inspires movement. This helps seniors with coordination and with walking and endurance. 
• Social skills: Music helps encourage seniors to bond with each other and alleviates feelings of loneliness and depression.​​​

The Magnolia Chorale loved sharing our music with Aegis, and we look forward to singing for you again in the future. ​