Music in old age: Seniors discover the joy of playing keyboard!

Music in old age: Seniors discover the joy of playing keyboard!

In the city of Troisdorf, a remarkable trend among seniors has developed: More and more older people are discovering music making for themselves. Alain Dilliér, a 62-year-old participant in the music school, is playing the Snow Walzer on his keyboard. Despite the initial difficulties with the buttons, he relaxes with every further tone and enjoys the new challenge that he meets after a serious illness. In 2023, the Association of German Music Schools in North Rhine-Westphalia counted around 353,000 pupils, with the proportion of over 60 year olds in music schools from 0.87 % in 2002 to 2.45 % in 2022 reports the WDR .

Dilliér visits the music school in Troisdorf once a week, which offers special courses for seniors. These courses, which consist of a maximum of four participants, are regularly booked. Manfred Görs, an experienced music professional, supports the students and emphasizes the cognitive challenge that is playing an instrument. Dilliér is not only on the way to recovery, but also found new friends who share the joy of music with him.

The meaning of music in old age

music and art play a central role in old age. Like Bildung-ab-50.de , many seniors of music are devoted to the decline in work and family obligations. Studies show that making music in old age has numerous neurological and health benefits. It is never too late to start learning an instrument, be it 50, 60 or 70 years.

The advantages of making music go beyond the pure joy. By practicing, seniors can strengthen their mental fitness, develop patience and mental endurance and reactivate previous skills. In addition, the piano is viewed as a particularly suitable instrument, since it is easy to use and does not require a lot of strength, while the guitar is considered versatile and quickly.

cognitive advantages of making music

Current research work, such as an analysis in the Protect study, which was carried out in cooperation with King’s College London, show the cognitive advantages of making music. The study shows that adults who play an instrument have a stronger working memory and better executive function. According to the study, piano players in particular benefit the greatest cognitive advantage, followed by woodwind instruments and brass instruments. These results provide valuable insights into the relevance of musical activities for the cognitive health of older people, as well as Medizindoc.de emphasized.

in Troisdorf celebrates music in old age. Renate Broszio, the oldest participant at the age of 82, uses keyboard games to improve her dexterity and as a balance to her osteoarthritis. Dilliér can remember his first day in the music school when he could play a song. He has a different taste of music that is strongly shaped by heavy metal and rock, but also learn to enrich other music styles.

The courses in the Troisdorf music school impressively show how learning an instrument not only a challenge, but also a source of joie de vivre and social interaction for seniors. The music thus proves to be a significant part of the quality of life in old age.