How Old is Too Old to Learn a Musical Instrument?

Most of us have a bucket list; a set of goals or milestones that we’d like to achieve by a certain age. But as each birthday passes, our dreams slowly start to drift away, feeling further and further from reality. And the older we get, the more we allow that negative internal whisper to become the only audible voice. Maybe I’ll join a ballet class…but I’m too old. I’ve always wanted to run a marathon…but I’m too old. I’d love learn how to play piano…but I’m too old. Here’s the thing, our life expectancy is much longer these days: Why not make the most of our time? People often shy away from learning music as adults, but there are limitless benefits to picking up an instrument later in life.

Here’s why musical training is valuable at any age:

It’s a brain booster
According to National Geographic, studies show that learning to play an instrument can cause significant improvements with your aging brain. The University of South Florida, recently explored the impact of individual piano lessons on adults between the ages of 60 and 85. After six months, those who had received piano instructions showed more “robust gains in memory, verbal fluency, the speed at which they processed information, planning ability, and other cognitive functions.”

It’s a stress reliever
Adult life can be hectic. Yet, as music absorbs our attention, it acts as a distraction and effective stress management tool. Playing music can positively benefit our physiological functions, slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing high levels of stress hormones. And let’s face it, we could all use a little more Zen in our lives.

It’s a nostalgic experience
There’s nothing like taking a trip down memory lane with a familiar song. If you’re a music lover, you’ve likely spent a lifetime consuming and enjoying music. This exposure, allows you to easily recognize songs and the arrangements of chords while learning a new instrument. As an added bonus it may even help unearth some buried emotions.

It creates a sense of achievement
Like learning anything new, musical training takes time, patience and a positive attitude. But oh, what a good feeling when you’ve accomplished your goal. OK, maybe you’re not the next Beethoven…but now you can confidently tickle the ivories at your next social gathering for all to enjoy.