We’ve mentioned music before as a means of boosting our well-being. Turns out, part of that positive impact is that music helps improve sleep – something that improves well-being in its own right. Sleep disturbances affect more than 40% of adults 65 and better, up to 70% in some study groups. Poor sleep impacts physical and mental health, and processes from cognitive functioning to balance – resulting in increased accidents and other issues.
Music therapy is evidence-based and is used in therapeutic interventions. Studies on this subject have been found to agree that older adults who engage in music therapy experience “significantly better sleep quality than those who did not listen to music.” Calmer, slower-tempo melodic music provided the best results. The positive effects also increased in those who enjoyed music for more than four weeks. They reported longer-lasting sleep quality improvement. But you don’t have to be a practitioner to gain the benefits of having music in your life. If you’ve let your favorite music fall out of your life, for any reason, considering easing it back into your day as a safe, effective, and easy remedy that can boost other aspects of your day. Caregivers can provide the bridge for many key activities, including finding out what music that person likes and bringing that into the daily environment. Our website provides information about ASI programs here in Pagosa Springs, as well as resources for wellness and aging. You can also use our website to learn more about The Community Café for take-out and Meals on Wheels. Whether you are a caregiver for a family member, for a job, to answer to your passion for helping others, or for all these reasons, there is no denying that you need a strong dedication to meet the challenges you face each day. Good information can support you and help you be successful in your work and, in turn, in maintaining a positive approach over the long haul.
Archuleta Seniors Inc (ASI) outreach includes caregiver and family member engagement and resources for wellness, aging, activities, and education. We provide ongoing material aid support for monitor units and fees for medical alert monitoring systems. While we are unable to keep the Center open for in-house dining and social activities, our ability to provide meals does decrease the isolation that those we serve are experiencing. You can contact us through our website, or by calling 970-264-9167, to get information about meals for adults 60 and better and their caregivers. A key ally in our community service and caregiver support network for Pagosa Springs is the Mather Institute. They provide up-to-date, free industry information, ranging from facts sheets to papers and reports. You can learn more about trends, innovations, resilience, workforce wellness, and other helpful information at: Mather. You can go also link to Mather through our website to learn more about caregiver and other resources. And you can learn about ASI programs here in Pagosa Springs, find resources for wellness and aging, and make reservations with The Community Café for take-out and Meals on Wheels at: http://www.psseniors.org/. |