New research has found that listening to and practicing music can help to slow cognitive decline in healthy seniors. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Helsinki, found that music has a positive impact on the brain, producing more gray matter and improving cognitive function.

The study involved a group of healthy seniors who were divided into two groups. One group listened to music regularly, while the other did not. The researchers found that the group who listened to music had more gray matter in the areas of the brain associated with memory, attention, and language.

The study also found that practicing music had a similar effect on the brain, with musicians having more gray matter than non-musicians. The researchers suggest that this is because playing music requires the use of multiple areas of the brain, including those involved in motor skills, auditory processing, and memory.

The findings of the study have important implications for the aging population, as cognitive decline is a major concern for many seniors. The researchers suggest that listening to and practicing music could help to slow this decline and improve the quality of life for seniors.

The study also highlights the importance of pursuing hobbies and activities that challenge the brain and engage multiple areas of the brain. By doing so, seniors can help to maintain their cognitive function and keep their brains active and healthy.