The Benefits of Alternative Therapies Such as Music or Art Therapy
In addition to traditional healthcare methods, there are a number of popular alternative therapies seniors can use to achieve impressive mental and physical health benefits. Activities such as music therapy, art therapy, and meditation are becoming common supplements to conventional health treatments for the elderly.
As your local expert in senior care, Senior Helpers Rockville is here to ensure the elderly in our community receive all the assistance they need to live a fulfilling life at home. For many seniors, the impressive benefits alternative therapies bring make them worth considering.
Read on to learn more about what alternative therapies are, their benefits, as well as how to find a qualified practitioner in the Washington DC area.
What are Alternative Therapies?
Defined as practices that are not typically a part of conventional medical care, alternative therapies include many types of physical and psychological approaches led by a qualified practitioner. Commonly practiced alternative therapies include:
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Mindfulness meditation
- Tai chi
- Yoga
These therapies are also used in conjunction with a person's regular healthcare treatments to provide additional well-being support. For example, art therapy is an integrative therapy method that engages a person's mind and body. During the process, a professional art therapist guides a person through creative activities. Seniors can make art in a way that improves their cognitive functions and resolves their thoughts and emotions.
Music therapy is another clinical, evidence-based alternative therapy approach. It may involve listening, playing instruments, or singing. Music therapy can improve a senior's mood, reduce stress, and manage pain, among other objectives. Alternative therapy approaches like these deliver proven benefits for senior citizens.
What Benefits Do Alternative Therapies Provide Seniors?
Numerous studies have shown alternative therapies like music and art offer valuable health benefits to seniors. Art therapy has been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness and depression in seniors while enhancing life satisfaction. Music therapy has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety and even decrease blood pressure and improve memory. In randomized controlled trials, music therapy was found to be an effective treatment for depression.
Overall, engaging in any type of alternative therapy can help senior citizens feel more actively involved in and satisfied with their lives. It gives them a meaningful activity to look forward to and participate in. It also provides new tools for coping with life's challenges.
How to Find a Qualified Practitioner in the Rockville Area
For residents in Montgomery County, Silver Spring, Potomac, and other nearby areas, there are a number of qualified alternative therapy practitioners to choose from. For art therapy, the local organization Arts for the Aging connects seniors with life-enhancing multidisciplinary arts programs.
Seniors can also locate a licensed art therapist nearby by using the locator tool on the American Art Therapy Association's website. For music therapy, the American Music Therapy Association has a therapist locator tool seniors can use. It's also a good idea to ask a senior loved one's primary care physician for any qualified local therapist they recommend.
Senior Helpers Rockville: Your Source for Specialized Senior Care
Alternative therapies can provide excellent physical and mental health benefits for your elderly loved one. If you're searching for new ways to help a senior continue living a happy and fulfilling life at home, we're here to offer support.
Senior Helpers offers a range of in-home care options for residents of Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Hyattsville, and surrounding areas. To learn more, contact our helpful team today.