Wellbeing for Seniors in Care Homes

As a well-being practitioner, I bring the healing vibrations of chant and percussion to care home residents, creating a transformative experience that has a profound impact on their emotional and cognitive health. Each session becomes a journey, helping residents who often arrive in a withdrawn or emotionally distant state due to the challenges of aging and cognitive decline.

Through the power of Kirtan—a form of devotional chanting—something remarkable happens. As the chants and rhythms fill the room, the residents begin to shift. They gradually move from a state of numbness to one of vibrant engagement. The music, rhythms, and chants encourage them to tap along, synchronize with the beat, and fully immerse themselves in the experience. This rhythmic participation not only lifts their spirits but also stimulates cognitive function, fostering connection with the music, the group, and themselves.

Sessions are a collective awakening, reminding us of music’s unique ability to transcend limitations and bring joy and connection, even in the most challenging circumstances. The benefits of incorporating such well-being practices for seniors in care homes go beyond emotional support, helping to enhance their cognitive health as well.

Scientific Research on the Benefits of Chanting for Cognitive Health

Recent studies have shown that chanting, specifically Kirtan Kriya, offers significant benefits for seniors’ cognitive health. According to research from the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, a 12-minute daily practice of Kirtan Kriya over 8-12 weeks has been shown to improve cognitive performance and memory in older adults experiencing cognitive decline. These findings suggest that Kirtan Kriya may help protect against dementia-related memory loss by stimulating brain activity and improving connectivity in regions associated with memory and concentration.

To learn more about the incredible benefits of chanting and its impact on cognitive health, check out my blog post, which dives deeper into studies from Alzheimer’s Research and UCLA.

Incorporating well-being practices like Kirtan chanting into care home routines can create lasting, positive changes in the lives of seniors, enhancing both their emotional well-being and cognitive health.