Many scientific studies have revealed that listening to music is more than just a pleasant pastime. Researchers believe the activity can also enhance personal health. The latest research indicates music can also serve as a means of pain management for seniors who have arthritis.
Brain Response
Researcher Robert Zatorre from McGill University explains that listening to appealing music stimulates the pleasure center of the brain, which comes to life when eating a rewarding meal or engaging in an enjoyable activity. When that area of the brain becomes triggered, cells release the feel-good chemical dopamine along with pain-relieving endorphins. This is one way music helps those with arthritis find relief.
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 senior care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
Diverted Thinking
Psychology scientists from the University of Utah’s Pain Research Center suggest that while the brain is engaged in actively listening to music, thought processes are redirected and, thus, focused away from discomfort. During his studies on pain relief, Dr. David Bradshaw found that the more immersed individuals are in the music they hear, the less pain they feel.
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 home care Danville service. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Shocking Results
At the University of Colorado Boulder, psychologist Mathieu Roy conducted his own study to find the correlation between music and pain management. The unusual research involved administering a mild electrical shock to the ankles of willing participants. As expected, subjects recoiled when receiving the jolts. Music was then started before the shock. While listening to music, the volunteers once again were exposed to mild jolts. However, they didn’t react. Scientists speculate the act of listening to music might prevent pain signals from reaching the brain.
Chronic Pain
Music therapy is also beneficial for anyone living with the chronic pain of arthritis. At the Arts & Medicine Institute in Cleveland, music therapist Lisa Gallagher regularly conducts sessions for elderly people living with chronic pain. Clients choose the type of music they prefer. During the sessions, Gallagher witnesses firsthand how the more subjects become engrossed in the music, the more relaxed they become and less discomfort they experience.
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. Danville seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. Call Assisting Hands Home Care today at (925) 332-1276 to learn about our high-quality in-home services.
