Music and movement – a match made in Heaven
I’ve been reading about how people 65 and over tend to fall down more. What?! Yeah, a Harvard Health Publishing report from back in 2011 said “one of every three senior citizens suffers at least one fall during the course of a year.” And the report included a little bit of interesting and encouraging information about music and movement. Fortunately I don’t have to be concerned with this for at least…another 15 minutes or so.
Music and movement ain’t all in your head.
I’ve been sharing some information about how music, and even the vibrations from it, can do amazing things. Especially for your mental well-being. But better mental and emotional health aren’t the only benefits of more music in your life. It might also keep you from falling.
That same Harvard Health report said there was a study of “134 men and women 65 and older who were at risk of falling.” And keep in mind, these were people who didn’t have any major issues with walking. Half the volunteers were taught how to walk and move to the rhythm of songs. The other half did their usual routines.
After only six months the music movers could move around better and had better balance than the people who hadn’t changed their routines. And apparently the music group fell 54% fewer times.
So, I guess there were still some falling. But a lot less than the more sedentary group.
And a side benefit of music and movement is that it apparently improves the mobility of people dealing with Parkinson’s disease.
Of course, as a lifelong musician, I love to learn about so many hidden benefits and potential benefits to listening to, playing, and moving to music. But so many of the studies and reports I read include some sad sentences. Like “We’re not sure why this is happening?” or “Science is only scratching the surface on how this could occur.” and the saddest lines like, “Did our evolutionary ancestors know about dancing and health?”
Music is like the rest of human existence.
It’s part of an amazingly complex design from an infinitely brilliant Designer.
If that’s not true, then I’m just a silly fool who’s liable to fall down any minute. But if it IS true (and it is)…
I’ll be dancing and singing forever
In the place where all music began.
And even with a crown, I’m never falling down.
Trusting God is in my masterplan.
Let’s get to know each other better and stay connected. Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And receive daily, delightful dashes of salt and flashes of light from the power of God’s love.
Stay tuned…
