sing, sing a song

As baby boomers age, and Alzheimer’s and dementia become more common, there’s a growing body of research focusing on strategies to maintain memories and cognitive function.

Doing regular crossword puzzles helps.

Speaking at least two languages makes a difference.

And now there’s a new strategy, one that will be dear to the heart of aging Gleeks everywhere: Belting out show tunes helps you keep your memories.

Researchers spent four months working with residents in an elder-care facility and found it was singing, not listening, that made the greatest difference. Included in the repertoire were songs from The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz and Oklahoma!.

The singing even helped folks in advanced stages of dementia.

So sing, out loud, out strong. (Via NY Daily News.)

 

Photo by Jason Rosewell on Unsplash

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