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The notion that mastering a musical instrument is only for the young or the naturally talented is being challenged. In fact, picking up a device later in life has significant benefits for cognitive health and engagement.
Dr Steven Elder, consultant neurologist at Ray, highlights how this creative endeavor actively stimulates vital brain areas, enhancing mood and promoting long-term cognitive function. His clear message is clear: There’s always an opportunity to start over.
Whether revisiting a forgotten passion or embarking on an entirely new musical journey, taking up an instrument may prove to be one of the smartest – and enjoyable – investments you can make in maintaining brain vitality.
Helps in sharpening memory
Learning and playing an instrument can enhance memory later in life.
“When we learn music, the brain engages in complex processes like reading notes, coordinating movements, and remembering melodies. This strengthens neural networks associated with memory and attention,” explains Elder. “Like exercise for the body, repeated practice strengthens these pathways, improving working memory and long-term memory.
,studies Show musicians often have better verbal memory and cognitive flexibility, suggesting that continued musical activity helps the brain remain more resilient to age-related decline.
Promotes neuroplasticity
“Learning an instrument over age 60 stimulates new neural connections and strengthens existing ones,” says Elder. “Each lesson requires motor coordination, auditory processing and problem-solving, which forces the brain to ‘rewire’ itself.
“This ongoing challenge helps maintain cognitive flexibility, which is especially valuable as we age. By building neuroplasticity, learning music serves as a powerful tool to keep the brain active, adaptable, and better equipped to deal with age-related changes.”
Can help improve language and listening skills
“Music and language share overlapping networks in the brain, particularly in areas responsible for auditory processing and rhythm,” explains Elder. “Learning an instrument trains the brain to distinguish pitch, tone and timbre with accuracy, which can translate into sharper hearing and better speech perception.”
For older adults, this may mean clear communication, especially in noisy environments, neurologists say.
“Additionally, music training strengthens the connections between the auditory and language centers, potentially supporting vocabulary retention and more effective processing of spoken words,” says Elder.
Promotes mood and emotional well-being
Learning an instrument can have great benefits for emotional well-being and mental health.
Neurologists explain, “Playing music stimulates the release of dopamine and endorphins which are chemicals associated with pleasure and motivation.” “It also reduces the stress hormone cortisol, which helps reduce anxiety and stress.
“Practicing music requires concentration and focus, diverting attention from worries, and promoting relaxation. For older adults, music-making can also create social connections, further improving mood. Together, these effects support better mental health and a greater sense of satisfaction in daily life.”
engages executive functions
“Executive functions such as planning, attention, problem-solving, and self-control are heavily involved when learning music,” says Elder. “Playing an instrument requires focusing on the score, coordinating hands, anticipating the next note, and making adjustments in real time.”
Over time, this repeated exercise improves skills like concentration, decision making and mental flexibility, neurologists explain.
“These are important abilities for maintaining independence and meeting challenges in later life, which makes music an excellent workout for the brain,” says Elder.
Stimulates multiple areas of the brain
Learning an instrument engages many areas of the brain.
“The motor cortex controls finger movements, the auditory cortex processes sound, and the hippocampus supports memory,” says Elder. “The cerebellum refines timing and coordination, while emotional centers such as the amygdala and limbic system respond to the pleasure and meaning of music.
“This broad activation makes music unique in how it integrates cognitive, motor, and emotional functions. Few activities stimulate the brain more holistically, which is why music is so powerful in promoting long-term brain health.”
May help reduce the risk of dementia
“Although no one activity can guarantee prevention of dementia, learning a tool can help reduce the risk,” says Elder. “Cognitive stimulation through music builds what we call “cognitive reserve,” which is the brain’s resilience against age-related decline. By strengthening neural networks and promoting neuroplasticity, musical activity helps the brain compensate for the damage caused by dementia.
“In addition, the emotional benefits, such as reduced stress and improved mood, also support overall brain health. Taken together, these factors suggest that learning music later in life may be a valuable protective strategy.”
So what are you waiting for? Now is the time to dust off the old keyboard or treat yourself to a shiny new guitar – your mind and mood will thank you.