Abstract

Dr T V Sairam emphasises the significance of music as a therapy for age-related conditions and ailments. Read on to find out more.

A group of Alzheimer’s patients are gathered in the assembly room of a nursing home. One tiny, frail woman sits off to the side in her wheelchair. Her eyes are vacant - her mind somewhere far from her body and the room. A young couple walks in with a harmonium. Most of the residents have not even looked up - they don't hear most of what anyone says -- or if they do, they cannot, or will not, respond. But the two volunteers are unconcerned; they smile at each other and the seniors, and they begin to play and sing. A few bhajans later, everyone claps and sings along, but not the frail woman in the wheelchair. Concerned, the youngsters make enquiries and finds she’s a Christian. Smilingly, they switch to Christmas Carols. The frail old woman's eyes begin to focus. This tiny woman, who hasn't smiled or connected in any way with anyone for months, wheels her chair towards the harmonium. Singing all the way. The other residents clap and sing along with her, excited to recognise her and each other.

Recent clinical research endorses the greater viability of music therapy even in those who suffer from advanced state of illness – like terminally ill patients -- who may be resistive to other treatment approaches. Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that affects millions of elderly people every year. There’re very few solutions to the cure of these diseases, but according to a study, it has been found that the effects of music on the agitation, emotions, and motor abilities and in reducing the levels of agitation, increasing levels of positive effects are relevant. It also has improved the ability of the patients to complete a motor skills task. Music can even help them overcome mood swings and depression.

‘Old age’, someone remarked, ‘is a curse!’ This statement comes from the fact that with the arrival of old age the body’s immune system starts the ‘non-cooperative movement’ – beginning with wrinkles on the skin to graying of hair along with loss of memory of events, dates and facts. As days go by, body and mind get weakened. The typical characteristics of youth--curiosity and enthusiasm, somehow fade as we age.

It’s well-known that music can play an essential role in rejuvenating those who succumb to immune deficiencies and metabolic changes that quicken senility. As a ‘tonic’ for the weak, music promises physiological and psychological well-being and rejuvenation. Music therapy is as effective with older persons as with children. As a form of sensory stimulation, music provokes in the elderly responses that arise due to familiarity, predictability, and feelings of security associated with it. Elders, who have functional deficits in physical, psychological, cognitive or social functioning, find music as a dependable companion par excellence. There’s no generation-gap between the listener and the musical piece; no fear of losing a relationship with music, say by separation, betrayal, neglect or divorce! Thus, one can trust music as a companion who will not nag, but will be available at a click of the mouse or a switch -- whenever it’s really needed.

Techniques for the Elderly

• Music therapists use music to facilitate movements (specially in elders who’ve problems such as arthritis).
• Music of appropriate rhythms is employed for activating the body rhythms and for uplifting a depressed and gloomy outlook, which creeps in naturally due to age.
• The therapeutic intervention in all such situations is, of course, based on individual assessment, treatment planning, and an ongoing programme evaluation.
• Programmes could also be tailor-made to a group of elders, so that there’s an attempt to make them interact with each other in a non-threatening environment.
• In special circumstances, the therapy can also be extended to bed-ridden or paralytic patients as well to enable them ‘visualise’ the lighter side of their existence, which, till the last spark of life, offers a kaleidoscopic experience!

Despite the overwhelming amount of anecdotal evidence that music heals, the medical establishment will argue that there is no "proof" of the efficacy of music - nothing which meets the rigorous requirements of the scientific method. But healing isn't about science. Healing is about people. And real people are experiencing very real results from the healing power of music, often through the efforts of volunteers, in hospices, senior centres, and in cancer and children's wards.

Musical Effects

Stress is the number one indicator of the likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke. More than diet, more than family history, more than weight. Stress kills. Music offers us relief from stress in many ways. It helps us to open ourselves emotionally and let loose with feelings that may be causing disease. It inspires us to examine ourselves, our lives and our relationships. Through our mind and emotion, music can reduce stress.

Music also has measurable physical effects on the body. Certain kinds of music actually lower blood pressure and heartrate, regulate breathing and lower cholesterol. For individuals with hypertension and related conditions, music can be much more powerful (and safer) than many prescription drugs.

People undergoing surgery require less anaesthesia, awaken from anaesthesia more quickly and with less side effects, and heal more rapidly when healing music is played before, during and after the surgical procedure. Patients recovering from heart attacks and strokes respond much more quickly to treatment when soothing music is played in their rooms.

Many studies have shown the incredible effects that music has on chronic pain. People suffering from back pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and pain from injuries; all benefit from using music. Physical therapy is much more effective when combined with music. And burn victims experience much less pain when music they choose and enjoy is played during their treatments.

Individuals suffering from depression need less medication and have more success in psychotherapy when music is added to their course of treatment. Grief, loneliness, even anger; are all managed much better when appropriate music is added to therapy.

Making music - the act of creating melodious sound - is an incredibly powerful healing tool. Physical, mental and emotional challenges are met so much more easily when one can make music! It doesn't have to be performance quality - it just has to be from the heart. Singing, humming, toning, whistling, beating a drum, playing a flute or violin or guitar or piano - anything. When music is made out of love, its healing powers are incredible!