Living with dementia can be challenging, but a growing body of research suggests there are more ways than ever to support those affected. Along with medications, supportive care, and therapies such as cognitive stimulation, speech, and physical therapy, music therapy is showing promising results. A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that sessions led by trained music therapists improved quality of life for people with dementia while also reducing stress and agitation.
And it’s never too late to make music yourself. Researchers in Japan report that learning and continuing to play a musical instrument later in life may help keep the brain flexible while supporting memory and cognitive function. Whether it’s a guitar, accordion, tuba, or violin, picking up an instrument could be a rewarding investment in long-term brain health.
Staying active is just as important. While regular walks are already known to benefit overall health, researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine say older adults may gain even more by walking a little faster. Their study found that increasing walking speed by about 14 steps per minute above a person’s usual pace led to meaningful improvements in physical function.
From making music to picking up the pace on daily walks, these simple lifestyle changes may help support healthier aging—one note and one step at a time.