AARP report highlights music for mental well-being

AARP's Global Council on Brain Health just released a report outlining the benefits of music for brain health and includes recommendations for older adults to improve their mental well-being. The report highlights previous research showing music can stimulate parts of the brain responsible for movement and memory, and that music could be used to help those with Parkinson's disease improve talking as well as help stroke patients recover from their illness. The report also draws from a recent survey conducted by AARP, which found that adults who reported listening to music or making music were more likely to report their overall health as excellent or very good. Recommendations to individuals include listening to music as a way to motivate exercise, while community recommendations include starting groups such as choirs to encourage regular music-making activities.