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THE SOUND OF AMEMORY Why Music Is a Powerful Anti-Aging and Cognitive Treatment Tool Music is ingrained in everything we do. Our weddings, our graduations, the birth of our children, and so much more often coincide with music — whether it’s the tune we heard in that moment, the song we danced to, or popular songs on the radio. As a result, music is a powerful anti-aging and dementia treatment tool. Exerts at Harvard Medical School found that music stimulates the same parts of our brain that are used when we try to remember something. Furthermore, studies on stroke patients who have damage to the left side of their brain — where our ability to speak is housed — have found that music and singing, which stimulates the right side of the brain, can help a patient learn how to speak again. Music therapy is often used by practitioners to treat those with dementia or those who have cognitive decline. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy programs can vary by patient. Some experts use group music experiences to help older adults return to who they once were for a brief moment, while others use instrumentation and vocalization during one-on-one sessions to better target that stimulation. Outside of a therapy setting, music can still improve brain health and function. For example, experts believe learning new things or taking up new hobbies can lower the risk of developing dementia. The act of learning something new — whether that’s learning how to play an instrument or learning a new song — can create new neural pathways and a stronger brain. Think of music like a workout for your mind! Furthermore, music can be a social booster. Dancing, playing songs with friends, or listening to music at an event can bring older adults together and fight social isolation, which can be one of the biggest threats to senior health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) links isolation with the development and worsening of chronic conditions, like dementia or heart disease. Whether it’s used in therapy or is part of your daily routine, music is a powerful anti-aging tool that you can utilize to lower your risk of cognitive decline or to help improve your cognitive functioning.
grain of truth to it, whether you’re looking at real-life martial artists (Henry Plée comes to mind, who practiced well into his 80s) or
fighting school founders in medieval Japan — who often viewed karate as integral to their understanding of Zen and other spiritual matters, and thus essential as they got older.
Netflix’s “Cobra Kai” carries on the tradition, showing us a much-older LaRusso who takes on the Miyagi role, opposite his longtime “frenemy” Johnny Lawrence. LaRusso and Lawrence have both returned to karate in middle age, and even Kreese reappears, now in his 70s and as formidable as ever. Is that realistic? You bet! According to one study, the average karate practitioner is 55 years old, and the average martial artist is 46. Many in both groups report regular sparring and contact practice. If you’re a martial artist, you may have to make some adjustments as you get older, but you’ll never have to give up your discipline entirely. And if you’re new to the world of martial arts, it’s never too late to start — as long as you find the right teacher and school!
Iced Green Tea, 2 Ways Inspired by 101Cookbooks.com
Ingredients
Option 2: Ginger Mint •
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2 tbsp loose-leaf green tea
4 cups filtered water, divided Option 1: Rose and Coriander • 1 tbsp dried rose petals • 1 tbsp whole coriander seeds
1 handful fresh mint leaves 1 inch fresh ginger, cut into coins
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Directions
For Rose and Coriander Tea: 1. In a large pitcher, place green tea, rose petals, and coriander seeds. 2. Bring 1/2 cup water to just below boiling. 3. Pour hot water over tea leaves, petals, and seeds. Let steep for 10 seconds, then add the remaining 3 1/2 cups water. 4. Refrigerate 4–8 hours until tea reaches your desired strength. Strain and serve over ice. For Ginger Mint Tea: Follow the instructions above, substituting the mint leaves and ginger coins for the rose petals and coriander seeds.
Ask your medical provider or visit the American Music Therapy Association’s website at MusicTherapy.org for more details.
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