Senior Living Advice: Summer is perfect time to enjoy outdoors, music

Pictured above: Air Supply performs in 2024 at The Fred Amphitheater in Peachtree City.

By BETH DOW, Home Helpers Home Care

When summer rolls around in all its sunny glory, outdoor concerts pop up everywhere, bringing with them music, laughter, and a whole lot of good vibes.

For older adults, these events aren’t just a fun way to spend an evening — they can actually stir up special memories and give the brain a healthy little boost. It turns out music and memory are tightly linked and hearing familiar songs can be a great way to revisit the past while enjoying the moment.

Music has this amazing way of lighting up the brain. A familiar tune can take you right back to your teenage years, your wedding day, or that unforgettable road trip. Scientists say it’s because music taps into parts of the brain connected to memory and emotion. That’s why hearing an old favorite song can lift your mood, reduce stress, and even help with memory especially as we get older.

Now imagine experiencing that same music outdoors, with the breeze in your hair, birds chirping in the background, and people around you smiling and swaying to the beat. That combination of sound, sight, and fresh air makes the experience even more powerful — both emotionally and mentally.

There’s just something special about hearing live music under the open sky. Whether it’s a jazz group at the city park, a concert at The Fred Amphitheater, the symphony at Callaway Beach or the Newnan PorchFest, these moments feel both peaceful and energizing. For seniors, this can be an especially meaningful chance to soak in the music, be around people, and maybe even feel a bit of that youthful spark again.

And it’s not just about sitting and listening. Even light movement — tapping your toes, swaying to the rhythm, or getting up for a little dance — can make a big difference. I probably get more exercise at one concert than I do the entire week prior to it. It’s good for your body and great for your brain. Plus, concerts often get people talking. A song might remind you of a funny story or a loved one, and suddenly you’re sharing a memory with someone new.

Music sticks with us throughout life, always there to cheer us up or help us reflect. Seniors can keep that connection going by attending more live shows, making playlists of songs that mean something to them, or even picking up an instrument just for fun. Lots of communities host free or low-cost outdoor concerts, making it easy for everyone to join in.

So, this summer, why not check out an outdoor concert? Let the music take you on a little journey back through your favorite memories and into some joyful new ones.

Every song has a story, so this summer, listen to your story play.

Beth Dow is a Dementia and Alzheimer’s Educator, CAEd and Geriatric Care Manager. She is also the owner of Home Helpers of GA & AL in Newnan. Readers can contact her by email at [email protected].