Music May Lead to a Happier, Longer Life

A study conducted in the U.K. contends that regularly attending live musical events can help extend one’s lifespan. The research determined that 20 minutes at a show on a regular basis can lead to a 21% increase in a feeling of well-being, an increase of 25% in feelings of self-worth and closeness to others, and a 75% increase in mental stimulation, all of which can lead to a longer life. A study team at the University of Missouri published research that joyful music had a significant positive on good health. A two-year study by researchers at the Brain & Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California showed that exposure to music and music instruction accelerates the brain development in young children in the areas responsible for language development, sound, reading skill, and speech perception. Research in Finland determined that “children who took part in singing classes had higher satisfaction rates at school.”