Picking up a musical instrument in your 70s may not only bring joy but also help keep your memory sharp and your brain healthier for years to come. A new four-year study from Kyoto University shows that older adults who kept practicing an instrument maintained their working memory and showed less age-related shrinkage in key brain regions compared to those who stopped.
The Research
Researchers led by Kaoru Sekiyama followed a group of older adults (average age 73) who had completed a four-month musical training program in 2020. After that initial period, about half continued playing for more than three years, while the others quit and took up different hobbies. At the start, there were no significant differences between the groups in brain structure or cognitive performance.
Four years later, MRI scans revealed remarkable differences. Those who kept playing maintained their verbal working memory performance and showed less reduction in gray matter volume in the right putamen, a brain region involved in learning and motor control. In contrast, those who stopped experienced significant declines in both memory and putamen volume.
The researchers also observed greater activity across broader areas of the cerebellum in the continuing players. The cerebellum is crucial for coordination and also plays a role in cognitive processes like attention and memory. These findings, published in the journal NeuroImage (reference: Wang et al., 2026), suggest that continued practice offers long-term neuroprotective benefits.
Why It Matters
This study offers hope for older adults worried about memory decline. "It's never too late to start playing an instrument, and starting in old age may have major benefits," says Sekiyama. The putamen and cerebellum are areas that typically shrink with age, and the fact that music practice can offset that is encouraging. Moreover, music may be a particularly valuable activity for those who cannot engage in physical exercise due to pain or mobility issues.
What You Can Do
If you're curious about your cognitive health, consider picking up an instrument—even if you've never played one. Choose one that appeals to you, set aside regular practice time, and focus on gradual improvement. Not only will you enjoy a new skill, but you may be giving your brain a lasting workout. As Sekiyama notes, "How fortunate that practicing music has such a positive impact on the brain and cognitive function!"
Source: ScienceDaily Mind & Brain
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