Drumming has been an age-old activity that has surrounded humans. It has several benefits like reducing anxiety, stress, pain and giving one a healthy life in general. Recent research has also seen drumming can be especially beneficial to seniors, as it can help in conditions like Alzheimer.
Senior facilities are accepting drumming as a regular activity along with other things like dancing and singing. Drumming can definitely enhance the lives of seniors by providing an improvement in cognitive abilities, memorization and much more. It’s important to include them in fun activities to make their lives more enjoyable. Here are some other reasons to include drumming at a senior facility:
- Drumming is loud
Unlike many other activities, seniors can hear the beats of a drum. Seniors who have hearing problems can participate in the reverberating drumming sessions because of its loudness and liveliness.
- Drumming is easy
There are numerous forms of drums that seniors can choose from. They can choose to play any of the drums like paddle drums to frame drums. Drums also include less effort than some other musical instruments. They can easily follow the facilitator to learn to drum quickly.
- Drumming is expressive
Drumming is a great way to express one’s emotions and feelings to other people. It is beneficial for mind and body. It connects and bonds people without even uttering a word, especially in senior facilities. Every senior can enjoy the benefits of freely expressing whatever rhythm they are feeling.
- Drumming is physically stimulating
Drumming includes connecting with the instrument to create a sound. So, along with increasing their cognitive abilities, they will benefit from some healthy exercise. It is an interactive and fun way to do so. It is perfect for a senior who might not be able to move much, but still want to get some light exercise.
- Drumming is peaceful
Drumming has been used as form of praying in cultures for centuries. The calmness that the beats bring can promote natural rhythm and peace of mind. It also creates sound waves which naturally soothe the participant, at all volumes – soft drumming can elevate the moods of seniors as well.
- Drumming is fun
Ultimately, no one can deny drumming is fun and not only therapeutic. Seniors will get to know each other more, and by being more social they love to participate in this activity. It just makes everything better in the mundane life of a senior facility.
If you are an activity director of a senior facility, consider this activity as a routine part of your scheduled programs. For more info, check out www.respectfulbeats.com
