It’s got a good beat …

I recall when Dick Clark’s American Bandstand was on TV, he would ask some of the teens to rate a new song and state why they liked it. It got to be a joke that most of them would say “It’s got a good beat and you can dance to it.”

But music has many benefits:

• Music can improve your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression,
• Listening to calming music can lower your heart rate, blood pressure, and stress level,
• Studies suggest that listening to music can improve memory, focus, and cognitive function overall,
• Engaging with music, either by listening or playing, may help keep your brain sharp and stave off cognitive decline as you age,
• Music therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing pain perception, aiding in pain management during medical procedures or chronic conditions
• Upbeat music can enhance your workout experience, increase motivation and endurance
• Music brings people together. Whether singing along at a concert or simply enjoying the same tunes with friends, music fosters a sense of connection and belonging.

The next time you need a boost or just want to relax, turn up the tunes, put on your dancing shoes, and sing like no one is watching!

Cindy Schrantz
President
New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning