Lifelong exposure to music is associated with better brain health in older age, according to a new study by University of Exeter experts published in the journal “International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry”.

The researchers looked at data from more than 1,000 adults over 40 to investigate the effect on brain health of playing a musical instrument or singing in a choir. The team looked at participants’ musical experience and exposure to music throughout their lives, alongside cognitive test results, to see if exposure to music helps keep the brain alert in later years.

The findings show that playing a musical instrument, especially the piano, is linked to improved memory and the ability to solve complex tasks, known as executive function. Those who continued to play at an older age benefited even more. Research shows that and the song is associated with better brain healthalthough this may also be due to the social factors of joining a choir or group.

“Although more research is needed to investigate this relationship, our findings suggest that promoting music education would be a valuable part of public health initiatives for highlighting a protective lifestyle for brain health, as well as encouraging older people to return to music in older age,” says Anne Corbett, Professor of Dementia Research at the University of Exeter.