Music has always played a vital role in uncertain times. From lifting spirits to creating a sense of community, it’s been known that music has the ability to bring us together. This phenomenon was made obvious during the pandemic, where people found innovative ways to bond with each other as a response to social distancing, particularly musically. 

In this blog, we explore how music helps to ease isolation. 

Listening to music to feed our social brains

As humans, we are inherently social. In fact, scholars have argued that the social brain in humans is more developed than any other species on earth. Because of this, we as humans have a biological need to form bonds and cooperate with one another. 

That’s why when we feel isolated, we experience physiological and psychological stress and look for ways to connect with others. Simply put, our social brains need to be fed, and when they’re not, we will seek out ways to build social connections. 

Music is an extremely powerful tool when it comes to solving this issue. Research has shown that music stimulates oxytocin, a hormone related to positive, happy feelings. In a recent study, it was found that singing for half an hour significantly increased oxytocin levels, with amateur singers feeling more energetic after the session. Another study also showed that oxytocin isn’t only released when singing music, but also when listening to it. 

Because oxytocin is known as the ‘love hormone’ that plays a vital role in building empathy and trust, it’s no wonder that embracing music in one’s life will lead to better social connections. Music is therefore crucial to our well-being as a human species because it enables a level of social bonding that differentiates us from other species. From lullabies and rock music to jazz, we can all rely on a certain type of music to maintain our empathy toward one another.

Music therapy in aged care to decrease isolation

As we age, it becomes more common to feel isolated. The opportunity to easily interact with one another becomes fewer and fewer when our bodies do not have as much strength as before. This also happens in aged care residences and was particularly felt during the pandemic when external visits from friends and family were put on hold. As a repercussion, older Australians felt more isolated than ever, and the importance of finding innovative ways to help them connect increased considerably. As a solution, and rightly so, many people turned to music to increase social bonding. 

According to a study conducted during the pandemic, 57% of people said music helped them cope with lockdown and 59% said music helped their mental health and wellbeing. The benefits of listening to music have also been shown among people suffering from dementia. In late stage dementia, people usually withdraw from their loved ones because they no longer know how to express love and affection like before. Music helps to ease isolation because it fills the gap when other methods of affection have been lost. By listening to it, they are able to tap into their emotions and relax. This leads the way to small moments of contentment and relaxation shared with one another. 

Through music, we are able to change the lived experience of millions suffering from dementia. We can also help older Australians in aged care live a better life, one where social connection and bonding is prioritised. All it needs is a small investment, commitment and a determination to work together to embrace the power of music.