Listening to music is generally accepted as a pleasant experience that can provide motivation, trigger memories, and bring people together. However, studies performed in recent years also indicate music has a variety of health benefits that include pain reduction. These studies suggest listening to music daily offers pain relief benefits to seniors with arthritis.
Promotes Relaxation
A group of researchers from Montreal gathered more than 200 volunteers in an attempt to better understand the effects of music on the brain. Participants underwent MRI and PET scans while listening to music so the scientists could get a real-time glimpse of brain activity. They found that listening to music engaged the pleasure center of the brain. When a person is involved in an activity that brings joy, this area releases the mood-elevating neurotransmitter dopamine. When relaxation occurs, muscles relax and pain decreases.
Listening to music is just one of the many ways older adults can boost their wellbeing. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust Tucson senior home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
Offers Natural Pain Relief
Scientists from Denmark’s Aarhus University and the Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience found that many different areas of the brain become active when people listen to their favorite tunes. The group noted that areas of the brain commonly associated with releasing natural morphine-like chemicals known as endorphins were also active. The scientists witnessed the effects of these chemicals continue for hours after music therapy sessions.
A home caregiver can help your loved one develop a variety of strategies for reducing arthritis pain. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare services. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Inhibits Pain
Denmark’s Dr. Peter Vuust explained that the brain becomes caught up in anticipating the next notes or lyrics, which may serve as a distraction from other stimuli, which includes pain signals. Research performed by a group from the University of Colorado in Boulder took their studies one step further and theorized that music might prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. They subjected volunteers to mild electric shocks while music was played. The scientists found that while actively listening to music, study participants didn’t respond to and even denied feeling the negative external stimulation.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Tucson seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (520) 276-6555.