Harmonizing Health and Wellbeing: The Impact of Music on Individuals Over 40
As the global population ages, the burden of disease and associated healthcare costs are on the rise. In this context, the role of music in promoting health and wellbeing has gained attention. A recent study sought to understand the biopsychosocial effects of music on individuals over 40 years of age, focusing on both listening to and actively performing music.
The study involved a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed articles up to April 2023 across six electronic databases. The researchers focused on healthy adults aged 40 and above, and analyzed a total of 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The findings suggest that active participation in music can lead to beneficial effects on cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Listening to music, on the other hand, seems to have a positive impact primarily in the cognitive domain.
The results are consistent with the idea that both active and passive music activities can enhance health and wellbeing in individuals over 40. However, the researchers emphasize the need for future prospective RCTs with more uniform and sensitive measurements. This will allow for a better understanding of the role of music in promoting healthy aging and longevity, especially in countries with a high population density of elderly people.
