Listening to Music Is Most Beneficial for Older People in Stress Relief

A study from Queen's University Belfast found music can lower stress levels in older adults, reports Newstalk . Older men and women also experienced more stress reduction than younger adults. Prior to the study, participants created playlists of music they would listen to in stressful situations. When they arrived at the lab, they were told they would have to deliver an address to be video-recorded and assessed. Half of the group then listened to their playlist, and the other half listened to a radio documentary. The music group had more stress reduction. "The results indicate that personal music listening can support stress management for both younger and older adults," said Queen's University Belfast's Jenny Groarke.