The main benefit out of playing the piano in retirement is obviously doing something that is enjoyable for the ones that want to learn. However, playing the piano has far more benefits other than just giving people pleasure and joy. Playing the piano has a number of health benefits that are particularly significant as people age.
The first main benefit, is that playing the piano and learning new pieces of music is a way to keep the brain active. Playing a musical instrument uses so many parts of the brain – much more than most activities and as the expression goes – you either use it or you lose it. I’m not implying that it is only musician that don’t have cognitive decline, but playing a musical instrument is an excellent way of keeping the brain active.
Playing the piano is an activity that can help you maintain your fine motor skills. Basically, playing the piano could be considered as a comprehensive workout for your hands and fingers especially because you get to use all ten fingers and while they are being used, they are less likely to stiffen up on you.
Playing the piano, like other hobbies are useful for positive mental health – not just for the ageing but for everyone. I read a while ago, that older people can be more susceptible to depression, due to the amount of losses they can experience. This can go from the loss or losses of close family and friends, to the loss of meaningful work, whether it is paid or unpaid, to the possibility of declining physical health and mobility. Whether, what I read was true or not, I can see it making sense that older people may suffer from depression than other groups in society. I also think it makes sense that having meaningful hobbies, like playing the piano, is actually good for a person’s mental health.
One of the good things about playing the piano, is that it is a hobby that can be done from home and having a hobby that can be done from home is perfect when it is hard to get out of the house on a regular basis, which can be caused by ill health or caring for someone who is ill or disabled.
Playing the piano is a worthwhile activity by itself and would be of benefit, regardless of these other fringe benefits. The fringe benefits of playing the piano, can certainly enhance the quality of life to older people and have a real and tangible positive impact on their health.