Listening to music when you are over the age of 70 could reduce your risk of dementia. A recent study of over 10,800 people led by Monash University found that always listening to music was associated with a 39 per cent decreased risk of dementia, and playing an instrument was associated with a 35 per cent reduction in dementia risk.
Music has a special ability to reach parts of the brain that remain unimpaired, even as dementia progresses. For many people living with dementia, listening to or playing music or having music therapy can improve concentration, reduce agitation, and make a positive difference to their wellbeing overall.
Tips for enjoying music with your loved one
Here are a few ways you can incorporate music into you or your loved one’s routine.
- Create a personalised playlist: Using music that is familiar and loved by your loved one living with dementia is a great way to stimulate emotions and movement, and have some fun together.
- Focus on music from meaningful moments: If you know of songs that were popular during different times in their life or from special moments such as a wedding or even a concert they attended in the past you might like to play the songs on a streaming app or even watch the music videos online.
- Sing and dance together: You can choose a few familiar songs to sing along to and to make it easier, you can print out a copy of the lyrics or use a video which shows the lyrics of the song so you can follow them together.
- Play favourite tunes during everyday tasks: While you are doing everyday tasks such as getting dressed or having dinner you can pop on their favourite song or album.
- Play an instrument: You might like to play an instrument for your loved one if you are a musician or invite a friend or the grandkids over to sing or play some music.
- Attend music events in your local community: A lot of local community centres have free and low cost music events. Here are a few examples below of regular and upcoming concerts in Melbourne, Sydney and Sunshine Coast.
Music in your community
Here are links to free and low-cost, accessible concerts and music clubs which are running in Melbourne, Sydney and the Sunshine Coast.
Melbourne: Regular concerts in the Melbourne CBD – Music Concerts Melbourne: Your Live Music Guide – Seniors in Melbourne
Sydney: Concerts at the Bondi Pavilion being held between now and December – Lunchtime Concerts at the Pav 2026: August to December | Bondi Pavilion
Sunshine Coast: Ukulele Club and Caloundra Music Club – Caloundra Community Centre | calcomm
You can also visit your local theatre or arts centre, where there are often musical performances such as morning melodies, orchestras and operas.
Do you or your loved one need additional support?
If you or your loved one are in need of some extra help at home, Prestige Inhome Care can provide temporary or long term dementia care services. Our care workers can bring the joy of music into the home and even provided much-needed respite for caregivers.
If you would like to know more about our dementia support services or potentially accessing additional services, contact our Care Specialist Team today on 1300 10 30 10 or contact us online: prestigeinhomecare.com.au/contact-us/ .