Dr. Judith Okely, a researcher from Edinburgh Napier University, has described the findings of a recent study as “exciting.” The study suggests that individuals who played a musical instrument as children may have improved thinking skills later in life. The study examined over 400 older individuals, 40% of whom had played a musical instrument, mainly the piano, at some point in their lives. These individuals underwent a series of tests to measure their cognitive abilities every three years between the ages of 70 and 82. The results showed that those with experience playing an instrument performed better on tests of processing speed and visual-spatial abilities. Even after accounting for other factors that could affect cognitive function, such as childhood intelligence, education level, smoking habits, and physical activity, the positive correlation between playing an instrument and cognitive abilities remained significant. The researchers concluded that learning to read music and mastering the precise movements required for musical performance could enhance cognitive abilities in the long term. The study involved 420 individuals born in 1936 in the Edinburgh and Lothian areas of Scotland. Of these individuals, 167 had played a musical instrument, and 39 were still playing at the age of 82. Dr. Okely stated that these results are just the beginning, and further research is needed to explore how musical experience throughout one’s life contributes to healthy aging.
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