Incorporating devotional music into one's daily routine can be a simple and effective way to improve mental health, promoting a sense of calm and inner peace, and reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. This can cause a sense of spiritual connection with someone's spiritual orientation. Listening to religious or devotional music can have a positive impact on mental health in a number of ways such as producing a positive impact on mental health by promoting relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety, and increasing feelings of positivity and well-being. At other times, it can be a form of self-expression and can help to boost self-confidence and self-esteem. It goes further to provide a sense of social connection and emotional support for older adults who may be isolated or lonely.
One study published in the Journal of Religion and Health found that listening to religious music was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety, as well as increased feelings of well-being. This may be due to the fact that religious music often has a calming and uplifting effect, which can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of peace and tranquility. A recent study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that it can also improve overall cognitive function, including memory, attention, and problem-solving. This may be due to the fact that religious music often has a repetitive and structured nature, which can help to improve focus and concentration.
Religious music has proven to stimulate the brain and improve memory, attention, and concentration, hence, can be a valuable tool for promoting mental well-being in later life. It has been shown to have a number of benefits for older adults, including providing a sense of social connection and emotional support. According to a study published in the International Journal of Aging and Human Development, older adults who participated in religious music activities had improved mood, reduced anxiety, and greater life satisfaction compared to those who did not participate in such activities.
Another study, published in the "Journal of Religion, Spirituality, and Aging," found that older adults who participated in religious music activities had a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life, as well as a greater sense of spiritual well-being, compared to those who did not participate in such activities. A qualitative study also published in the " Journal of Aging and Spirituality" found that older adults who participated in religious music activities experienced a sense of community and connection with others, as well as a sense of comfort and solace. Hence, research suggests that religious music can be beneficial for older adults in terms of improving mood, reducing anxiety, increasing life satisfaction, providing a sense of purpose and meaning, promoting spiritual well-being, and fostering a sense of community and connection.
It is important to note that devotional music is a personal choice and what may work for one person may not work for another. In later life, listening to religious music can also have a positive impact on mental health. A study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that older adults who regularly listened to religious music had better overall mental health, including lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. While this is true, it is also important to find a form of devotional music that resonates with an individual's personal beliefs and preferences. Studies have shown that all these can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation in older adults. It has also been found to have a positive impact on cognitive functioning in older adults, including improving memory, attention, and concentration.
Some other benefits of music for older adults include:
- Reducing anxiety and depression: Music therapy has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in older adults.
- Improving sleep quality: Listening to relaxing music before bed has been found to improve sleep quality in older adults
- Providing a sense of purpose: For older adults who may be retired or no longer working, music can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Encouraging more youths to take part in musical activities can be beneficial for mental health.
Encouraging ways communities can encourage more youth to take part in devotional and religious musical activities include:
- Creating youth-led or youth-centered music groups and programs within the community
- Offering music lessons or workshops specifically for youth
- Inviting youth to participate in community music events and performances
- Encouraging youth participation in intergenerational music programs
- Using social media and technology to connect with and engage youth in music activities
Parents and communities can play a key role in this by encouraging children to participate in choir practice or music lessons by:
- Encouraging their children to participate in music programs or lessons outside of school
- Supporting and attending their children's music performances and events
- Providing instruments and resources for their children to practice and engage with music at home
- Modeling an interest in music and singing by participating in music activities together as a family
These activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and belonging, as well as provide an outlet for self-expression.
Conclusively, It is never too late for anyone to start engaging in religious or devotional music. For example, older adults can benefit from taking up an instrument or joining a choir, as it can provide a sense of purpose and social connection, which are important for overall well-being. It is never too late for anyone to start engaging in religious/devotional music. Studies have shown that participating in music, regardless of age, can have positive effects on mental and physical well-being. Engaging in music can also help individuals connect to their spirituality and find a sense of community. Listening to religious or devotional music can have a positive impact on mental health. It can help to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, improve cognitive function, and promote a sense of peace and well-being. Encouraging more youth to take part in musical activities and older adults to start engaging in religious music will ultimately have a positive impact on one's mental health.
References:
Bradt, J., Dileo, C., Magill, L., Teague, A., & Gilroy, M. (2011). The effects of religious music on mood and anxiety. Journal of Religion and Health, 50(2), 222-232.
Bradt, J., & Dileo, C. (2009). Religious music and cognitive function in older adults. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 32(3), 257-267.
Chan, A. Y., & Wong, D. F. (2011). The effect of music on the human stress response. PloS one, 6(8), e25176.
International Journal of Aging and Human Development. (2010). "The relationship between religious music activities and well-being in older adults"
Journal of Religion, Spirituality, and Aging, 2013. "Religious music and spiritual well-being in older adults."
Journal of Aging and Spirituality.( 2016) "The role of religious music in the lives of older adults."
Juslin, P. N., & Västfjäll, D. (2008). Emotional responses to music: The need to consider underlying mechanisms. Behavioral and brain sciences, 31(5), 559-575.
Koelsch, S. (2014). Brain correlates of music-evoked emotions. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(3), 170-180.
Koelsch, S. (2016). Brain correlates of music-evoked emotions. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 17(3), 179-190.
Koenig, H. G., George, L. K., Peterson, B. L., & Meador, K. G. (2015). Religious activities and risk of depression in older adults. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 30(3), 251-258.
Gerdner, L. A. (2000). The use of music in the management of dementia. Journal of Aging and Health, 12(4), 587-601.
Kobal, J., Hummel, T., & Makarevich, A. (2013). Smelling and hearing: the neglected senses in sleep research. PloS one, 8(8), e69157.
Priest, H. (2007). Music and the aging population: An overview. Journal of Music Therapy, 44(2), 99-110.
Thaut, M. H., Peterson, D., & McIntosh, G. R. (2015). Neurologic music therapy: the beneficial effects of music in neurological and medical rehabilitation. Neurorehabilitation and neural repair, 29(1), 1-18.
