A recent study from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging underscores the profound impact of music on the well-being of older adults. The “Sound of Music” report reveals that music serves as a powerful tool, offering a multitude of health benefits, ranging from stress relief and improved mood to mental health enhancement and social connections.
Conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago through an online and telephone survey, the study engaged 2,657 adults aged 50 to 80 in July and August 2023. Nearly all respondents (98%) reported deriving health-related benefits from music, with 75% experiencing stress relief, 73% feeling joy, 65% witnessing improved mental health, and 61% noting the ability of music to spark memories or recall life events.
Joel Howell, MD, PhD, a professor at the U-M Medical School, emphasizes the intrinsic role of music in human existence, stating, “Music has the power to bring joy and meaning to life. It is woven into the very fabric of existence for all of humankind.”
Beyond emotional well-being, respondents acknowledged other health impacts, including feeling a spiritual or religious connection (36%), maintaining cognitive sharpness (31%), fostering connections with others (27%), and reducing pain (7%).
The study uncovered that a significant majority of participants engage with music regularly, with 85% reporting listening to music at least a few times a week, 80% watching musical performances in the past year, and 41% attending live musical performances in the same period. Additionally, 8% participated in making music with others, either through singing in a choir or playing an instrument.
Differences in music habits were noted among demographic groups, with respondents in fair or poor health or those experiencing feelings of isolation less likely to listen to music daily. This finding underscores the potential of music as a tool to address health concerns related to loneliness and social isolation.
Jeffrey Kullgren, MD, MPH, MS, Director of the National Poll on Healthy Aging, emphasizes the potential of music as a tool, stating, “The power of music to connect us, improve mood and energy, or even ease pain, means it could be a powerful tool.”
Sarah Lenz Lock, senior vice president of policy and brain health at the AARP, underscores music as a universal language with the potential to improve well-being and enrich brain health, citing AARP’s own research supporting the role of music in healthy aging.
Supported by the AARP and Michigan Medicine, the university’s academic medical center, the poll aims to raise awareness among healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations about the vital role of music in the lives of older adults.
