Never Too Late: How Learning Music Can Keep Your Mind Sharp
If you’ve ever thought about picking up a guitar, sitting down at a piano, or learning to play the violin, there’s compelling new research that suggests you should stop thinking and start playing—especially if you’re over age 65.
A new study from Kyoto University has revealed that older adults who take up musical instruments for the first time can protect their brains from age-related decline. The research, which followed participants with an average age of 73 over four years, offers advice for anyone concerned about staying sharp mentally.
As we age, certain areas of our brain naturally begin to shrink and become less active. The parts of the brain that vulnerable to this decline control movement, coordination, and memory processing. The study showed that these are exactly the areas that musical practice appears to strengthen and protect.
The research team first had participants learn a new musical instrument for four months. Half kept playing for more than three years, while the other half stopped and pursued other hobbies. Those who stopped playing music soon experienced the expected age-related changes: Their verbal working memory declined and they showed shrinkage in brain tissue. The group that kept playing instruments showed no such decline. Even more encouraging, the brains of the continuing musicians showed increased activity, suggesting they were not just maintaining function but becoming more active and engaged.
More brain activity translates to improvements in daily life. Working memory is where the brain holds and manipulates information. It’s what helps us follow conversations, remember where we put our keys, and multitask. By helping protect cognitive function, musical practice can help maintain independence and quality of life.
The study’s lead researcher, Kaoru Sekiyama, was surprised by how concentrated and effective the brain changes were. “It’s never too late to start playing an instrument, and starting in old age may have major benefits,” she noted.
A gentle alternative to physical exercise
Learning an instrument provides cognitive exercise that’s accessible to most people, and the benefits can be similar to those of physical exercise. “For those who struggle to engage in physical activity due to body pain or other problems, playing musical instruments can be a great alternative,” Sekiyama explained. “How fortunate that practicing music has such a positive impact on the brain and cognitive function!”
Getting started
This research was focused on beginners—people who had never played instruments before. You don’t need natural talent or decades of experience to reap these benefits. The key is consistency and continued practice.
Consider starting with:
Piano or keyboard: Excellent for beginners with clear visual layout
Ukulele: Easier on the fingers than guitar, with a gentle learning curve
Harmonica: Portable and relatively quick to learn basics
Drums or percussion: Great for rhythm and coordination
The four-year study period highlights the importance of long-term commitment. While four months of practice showed initial benefits, the bigger protection against cognitive decline only became clear after years of playing.
Look for community music groups, adult beginner classes, or online tutorials that match your learning style. Many music stores offer rental programs, making it affordable to try different instruments before committing to a purchase.
This research challenges the idea that you can’t improve your brain later in life. Your brain is adaptable, capable of forming new connections and maintaining function.
Whether you’re 65 or 85, picking up that instrument you’ve always wanted to learn is a great way to help your brain. The Kyoto University study proves that when it comes to music and brain health, it truly is never too late to start.
The information in this article is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor.
Source: IlluminAge
