Music to our ears – and minds

A song from our teens or twenties can revive feelings, images, and stories that may have lain dormant for decades. This connection appears to be particularly powerful because the music we hear during adolescence and early adulthood becomes woven into some of our most formative life experiences.  

For older Australians, this link between music and memory can be especially valuable. Studies have shown that familiar music can help stimulate memory recall and emotional engagement in people living with dementia. 

Family members and carers often observe dramatic changes when a favourite song is played, with individuals becoming more alert, communicative and connected to those around them. Music can help restore a sense of self by providing access to memories and emotions that may otherwise seem difficult to reach. 

The benefits extend well beyond memory. Listening to music we enjoy can activate the brain's reward centres, triggering the release of dopamine and other chemicals associated with pleasure, motivation and wellbeing. 

Research has shown that music can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression while improving mood and emotional resilience. This is one reason why music therapy is increasingly being used in aged-care settings as a non-pharmaceutical approach to supporting mental health and quality of life.  

Music also influences the body in surprising ways. It can affect heart rate, breathing patterns and other physiological processes linked to stress and relaxation. 

Favourite music has even been shown to reduce perceptions of pain, making it a valuable complementary tool in healthcare and rehabilitation. 

Whether it is listening quietly in a comfortable chair or singing along with a beloved tune, music can create a sense of calm and comfort that supports overall wellbeing.  

Perhaps one of the most encouraging findings for older adults is that musical engagement appears to support healthy brain ageing. 

Researchers have found associations between musical activities and the maintenance of brain networks involved in memory, language and executive function. 

Some studies suggest that people who continue to play instruments or participate in musical activities experience less age-related decline in certain areas of the brain.  

Music's restorative power is not limited to listening. Singing, dancing, and playing instruments combine mental stimulation with physical movement and social interaction. These activities challenge the brain, encourage coordination and create opportunities for connection with others. 

Group singing and community music programs have been shown to foster feelings of belonging, reduce loneliness and strengthen social bonds. In an age when social isolation can pose significant health risks for older adults, these shared musical experiences can be particularly valuable.  

There is also something uniquely comforting about revisiting the music of our youth. The songs that accompanied our earliest adventures, relationships and achievements form a kind of personal soundtrack that remains with us throughout life. 

Hearing them can evoke positive emotions, reinforce cherished memories and remind us of who we are and where we have come from. For many people, these musical memories become an important anchor during times of change, illness or loss.  

The growing body of evidence suggests that music is far more than entertainment; it is a powerful and deeply personal source of healing, comfort, and connection. 

Whether you enjoy classical music, country ballads, jazz, rock, or pop, making music part of daily life may be one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to support healthy ageing. 

Sometimes the best medicine is not found in a bottle or a clinic, but in the familiar melody that makes us smile, remember, and feel alive once again.