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Video: 90 Year Old Accordionist Plays "La Cumparsita" - Brazilby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Norma, who is 90 years old from Florianapolis, Brazil still enjoys playing her accordion. In this video she performs "La Cumparsita" by Matos Rodríguez with her daughter Marcia. "Music-making is linked to a number of health benefits for older adults," said Suzanne Hanser, chair of the music therapy department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. "Research shows that making music can lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, reduce stress, and lessen anxiety and depression. There is also increasing evidence that making music enhances the immunological response, which enables us to fight viruses," Hanser said. Hanser said that anyone, regardless of age or ability, can make music and benefit from it. Researchers at the Western Sydney University's MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development say even a small amount of musical training can have long-lasting effects, particularly for seniors. They say playing a musical instrument in retirement is one of the best ways to stay mentally and physically agile. Music and psychology researcher with the institute, Dr Jennifer MacRitchie, has been studying the benefits of learning an instrument for the first time in people aged over 65 and found very positive outcomes. Enjoy playing the accordion! |