Discover the Power of Music and Caring

At Collective Harminy, we believe in the transformative power of music and caring. As a community collaborative of music schools and senior care facilities in the Andover area, we strive to create meaningful connections between generations and foster a sense of belonging and purpose.

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Why Music

According to the National Institute of Health, music has the power to evoke strong positive emotions and elevate mood. Music can also have a beneficial effect on brain chemicals such as dopamine which is linked to feelings of happiness, and lower the body's level of cortisol, a hormone that can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.

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Benefits for Seniors

For older adults who have age-related cognitive decline, music has the power to slow that decline, bring back memories, and improve cognitive processing speed. And since musical memories are one of the last things affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia, music engagement can actually give seniors a "cognitive boost."

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Critical Connections

All too often, socialization for seniors is limited to other residents, staff, and occasional visits from family and friends. Intergenerational interaction with youth can add to a residents' experience by providing happiness and a sense of belonging. Interaction through music further enhances the stimulation of memories, and also helps to combat loneliness and depression.

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A sense of community belonging is also critical for young people. However, with residence in care facilities now the norm for many seniors, opportunities for youth interaction has become limited.

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Intergenerational programs like Collective Harminy help bridge this divide. Bringing joy to seniors through music can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Young people often feel good about being involved in something where they can be helpful and valued, and where they are supported to achieve something as part of a group.

 

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