Thank you for sharing that @lalitk .
Yes, I have long realized the mental health benefits of listening to music.
To all of us- Enjoy your listening!
Turns Out Our Listening Habits Might Be Doing More Than Pleasing Our Ears…
I just came across a Monash University led study that I thought this community would appreciate, especially those of us who’ve racked up hundreds (…or thousands 😅) of hours spinning records, streaming playlists, and noodling on instruments over the years.
Researchers looked at 10,800+ adults aged 70+ and found some pretty striking correlations:
- Regular music listening (“always”) = 39% lower risk of dementia
(compared to folks who “never/rarely/sometimes” listen) - Playing an instrument = 35% lower dementia risk
- Music listening also linked to a 17% lower rate of cognitive impairment and better overall cognition + episodic memory
- Doing both listening + playing? 33% decreased dementia risk + 22% lower cognitive impairment.
The data came from the ASPREE and ALSOP studies, and while it can’t prove causation, the researchers point out that cognitive aging isn’t just genetics, lifestyle matters just as much. And it turns out music might be one of the most accessible, enjoyable “interventions” we have.
Professor Joanne Ryan summed it up nicely: as lifespans get longer, preventing or delaying dementia becomes critical and habits like listening to or playing music may support healthier brain aging.
So yeah…
All those hours we’ve spent chasing better sound, tweaking gear, and playing music might actually be doing our brains a favor.
Not a bad justification for the next upgrade either. 😉
Do you feel your listening sessions are mentally stimulating or “therapeutic”? Anyone here notice differences in focus, memory, or mood depending on how much you listen or play?
Happy listening and apparently, healthy listening too. 🎶🧠
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It’s already been said here many times, but I find listening to music has improved my mental health. After I retired, I struggled with depression, anxiety, and a loss of my identity. Music saved me. I know that sounds a little overboard to some, but it’s true in my case. It gives me a new sense of purpose as well as a calming, relaxing effect that has made all the difference in how I feel and interact with others. So I say listen all you can. |
For those who need "measurements" there is some here : https://x.com/newstart_2024/status/1997414885924155468 https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/6/2482 And perhaps music is not about tastes but first about education ... |
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