Think playing the piano is only for kids? Think again. Studies show piano practice can be equally beneficial for adults of every age.
The results are especially encouraging for elderly. Playing the piano has positive effects on a variety of things, including cognitive function and overall quality of life.
If you’re considering the piano, no matter what your age, here are a few reasons to give it a go.
Increases brain power
Just listening to music has been shown to activate your brain. It can help improve memory, attention, motor function, language processing, and emotion. But when you play an instrument, it enhances each of those functions even more. Brain scans of musicians and non-musicians have been shown to have significant differences. Playing can keep you more involved, and increase brain plasticity throughout your lifetime.
It makes you smarter
One of the reasons piano practice is recommended for children is because it increases IQ. Studies show that adding music lessons to your daily routine can improve your test scores. But what happens as a child can also occur throughout your lifetime. If you want to keep your brain active and functioning well, sit down at the piano regularly and practice the music you love.
It makes you happier
Studies show that when people have more to do in their leisure time, they are happier, healthier adults. Whether it’s reading, writing, doing crossword puzzles, or having a book talk with friends, staying active can make a difference in how much you enjoy life. Practicing the piano takes that to another level. It involves using many different skill sets, including visual scanning, attention, and motor function. It requires you to think on a different level. And that can bring contentment to your life. It allows you to escape other things that may be happening, and just enjoy yourself for a while.
If you’re looking for something you can carry on into every stage of life, give the piano another look. Piano practice is both meditative and therapeutic, and can be a refreshing challenge every time you sit down.
