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A Prescription for Music Lessons.

DEPRESSION Impacting 14.8 million people, depression is the most prevalent mental health issue for adults aged ≥ 55 years and accounts for 10% of all medical disability in the U.S. and Canada. About half the people diagnosed with depression also have an anxiety disorder, which can lead to smoking, drinking alcohol, overeating, and complicated health care issues. By 2020, depression is predicted to be the second most common disease in the world and cost employers about $23 billion in absenteeism. Hays and Minichiello found that learning to read music and play the piano might enhance mood and certain aspects of the quality of living indicators in older adults. Those aged ≥ 65 years who participated in playing music reported improved self-esteem, greater independence, and fewer feelings of isolation. In addition, playing music created a temporary escape from the stress of daily life. Seinfield and colleagues compared a piano training group with a control group (nonplaying) and found that those who played piano experienced a decrease in psychological distress, depression, and fatigue. Playing an instrument can positively impact the well-being of older adults throughout life by promoting empowerment, autonomy, and social cohesion. Manalai and colleagues found that a single episode of playing the piano was beneficial for a 91-year-old female patient who previously played when she was young and who was currently experiencing psychotic and depressive symptoms. Following playing, the patient’s vocabulary and insight temporarily improved. For the first time since her admission, the patient provided many details about her past mental and physical health. Even though the patient never played again, due to her delusional disorder, the improvement in mood and cognition were sustained for several months. The researchers noted that the patient’s temporary improvement may have been attributed to other factors. Another study measured levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness in senior citizens. Study participants who regularly participated in a keyboard class were less anxious, depressed, and lonely compared with the control group. Other studies support the idea that music can modulate emotional responses and enhance cognitive performance.