Music Training May Help Keep Aging Brain Healthy

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What about singing? I think that would have similar benefits, and in addition would add breathing deeply and mindfully to the advantages. Choral singing would also add social/cognitive skills, learning to work cooperatively, and teamwork!

Melinda Swenson of IN 7:37PM April 26, 2011

I love this, I recently hit that point in my life about 2 years ago, I took up the Ukuele and I love it...just don't ask me to play to loudly in front of a crowd...it goes to the boat when I go scuba diving as well. My Moto: never stop learning.
Judy Odrezin, RN, Savannah GA

Judy Odrezin, of 3:41PM April 26, 2011

I've noticed that classical musicians tend to live long lives--think of Rubinstein concertizing well into his 90s, and Horowitz into his 80s, among many others--though I'm not aware of any studies of musicians' longevity. But surely the stimulation of the brain that occurs from having to remember thousands of notes and perform the complex and fine movements needed to play those notes accurately helps prevent cognitive aging.

Donald Wright of CA 2:38PM April 26, 2011