音乐 Topic: Seniors and Recreational Activities: Music
Date and Time: September 20th, 2022 (Tuesday), 9.30am - 10.30am
Speaker: Ms. Lee Li Li (PhD candidate in Gerontology Medical Science and Consultant Psychologist)
Music: Melodies composed of rhythm and sound.


Generally, music is described as subjective and it is important for how it feels. Music can make us feel comfortable and healing. The music consists of different melodies, such as rain, cicada, bird, water, and even dishwashing. Music conveys better expression and meaning on emotions than words. In ancient times, mankind communicates without words, but only with the sound of objects to express emotion.


Why does music have a healing effect?


1. Physical action

  1. The human body has different vibrations, such as brain wave vibration, gastrointestinal peristalsis, heart pulsation, muscle extension, and contraction.
  2. Relaxing music, such as classical music, can transmit each cell of the body to achieve a relaxation state. While, the lively music will excite the body's cells and the atmosphere.


2. Physiological Role

  1. Avoid Dysautonomia.
  2. Music can slow the spread of cancer cells.


3. Psychological Effects

  1. Relieve mood and emotions.
  2. Enhance focus and memory, but choose music that makes you comfortable.
  3. Release stress.


Three ‘No’ on Music

1. Do not follow the norms blindly, choose the music that suits you.

  1. Example: I feel that the sound of the waves is comfortable and brings a sense of relaxation, but for some people, it can bring fear and recall the trauma of the past.

2. Listen to music not more than 60 minutes at a time, not more than 7 hours per day.

3. Sound level not exceeding 60 decibels (for average people); Sound level not exceeding 80 decibels (for hearing impaired elderly)


Other Music Healing Strategies:

  1. Background Music + 4-4-4 Breathing Method
  1. Exhale all the body's breath out of the abdomen
  2. Use at least 4 seconds to slowly inhale air through the nose until the abdomen
  3. Pause for at least 4 seconds
  4. Use at least 4 seconds to exhale through your nose.


Notes: The above content was transcribed from our September 20th, 2022 Unilifesity’s Mental Health Lessons - Seniors and Recreational Activities: Music. Please kindly contact our office if you would like to learn more or seek consultation. Thank you.