Improve Brain Fitness - Play a Musical Instrument

If you are a senior citizen who would like to improve your brain fitness, such as memory, hand - eye coordination, increased alertness and awareness, and better concentration while driving or at work, why not try learning to play a musical instrument? If you can already play an instrument, but have not done so for maybe decades, why not think about starting again.

"Playing a musical instrument requires one to concentrate on written notes and chord progressions, and to translate those simultaneously into coordinated physical movements. But, particularly surprising is the number one activity for improving all-around wellness", according to Dr. Kevin O'Neil writing in the "Senior Living Articles" segment, Brookdale Senior Living.

I am a senior citizen and needed to improve my brain fitness. Luckily, my wife and I already had a piano, which she had brought into our marriage. I had always wanted to play an instrument (I love music), but while working full time, I simply did not have the energy or motivation to do so.

Then things changed - I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had my prostate removed (see my story in Associated Content: Prostrated by My Prostate.) Since I would be convalescing for possibly a few months after the surgery, I decided to learn the piano, simply because we had one. Besides the piano, my wife still had all her instruction booklets when she took lessons as a child.

The tips I give below refer to the piano, but they apply to almost any musical instrument.

The cost factor

What if you don't have a piano, and are not willing to pay between $1,000 to $2,000 for a new or used piano? Instead, you can buy an electronic keyboard for about $120, or an acoustic guitar for about $100.

Why play the piano to improve you abilities?

Consider how many senses and actions are involved in playing a piano:

Memory - learning music notation - which may at first appear to look like hieroglyphics! In addition, you have to memorize the note positions on the keyboard.

Hand-eye coordination - you have to read the notes and simultaneously play the keys. Playing with both hands is really a challenge for the mind.

Concentration - you really have to concentrate to the exclusion of any other thoughts.

Hearing - even if you are hearing impaired (as I am), do not let that stop you, as you will be taxing your mind as you learn the note pitches, and begin playing rhythmically.

What you need to learn the piano
There are several ways to go about learning the piano (or any other instrument):

Take piano lessons with a qualified teacher. I am lucky to have my wife available for guidance, but she does not give me piano lessons.

Have a friend or family member teach you - if they have the motivation, time and patience.

Take online piano courses. There are many choices, but the one I use is teoria which is free, and also easy to understand and use.

Teach yourself to play - buy one of the many books available - from bookstores, used bookshops, and online.

I like the last option because I am then not dependent on anybody and their schedules, and can learn at my own pace. I chose my wife's instruction booklets (which were published in 1949). Now, these books are meant for child beginners to learn in conjunction with a teacher (but you can manage without the teacher, as the books are very easy to understand).

These books are for the absolute novice, like me, and the one I use is "Teaching Little Fingers to Play", copy write Willis Music (Willis Music Company) and can be purchased from The-Sheet-Music-Store. I don't feel embarrassed by learning from these books - after all, I am approaching my second childhood! I also used teoria to learn about music theory.

How learning the piano has helped me
Playing has improved my mental fitness, but there were also additional unexpected benefits:

I now have two new related hobbies - piano playing, and understanding and appreciating the rich world of music (beyond playing and listening to it) that was originally a closed book to me.

I find learning and playing music very relaxing and soothing as long as I don't take it too seriously -unless I intend to give a public performance, which is highly unlikely!

I get a great sense of accomplishment- when I actually hear the melody I chose to learn. When I start learning a new tune, I first learn the notes and chords, and the tune is discordant and unrecognizable. At some point, however, after diligent practice, when finally I get the rhythm and timing right, I am playing a melody!

I have more interaction with family members and friends. I found that they were impressed and intrigued by my new activity, and some of them were actually inspired to consider playing a musical instrument. If any of them are musicians, you may develop a new rapport with them.

Playing the piano may do very little or nothing for your mental fitness, but it will almost certainly raise your spirit.

List of Sources

Dr. Kevin O'Neil, Brookdale Senior Living, Senior Living Articles, "Keeping Fit body, Sharp Mind Helps Seniors Age in a Healthy Manner"