Beats for the brain: How music improves cognitive function and longevity

“I can’t live without music”

This often-heard phrase may sound exaggerated at first, but it harbors a deeper truth. Numerous studies in brain research prove that music is far more than mere entertainment. The soothing, rhythmic or emotional sounds can have significant effects on our brain and our health and even extend our lifespan. But how exactly does music influence the cognitive function of our brain and contribute to a longer, healthier life?

The effect of music on the brain: how cognitive functions benefit

“Music has the extraordinary ability to activate different regions of the brain simultaneously and evoke profound emotional, cognitive and motor responses. It can organize and heal the brain in a unique way – even in people with neurological disorders.”

explains Dr. Oliver Sacks, neurologist and author of the well-known book “The One-Armed Pianist” (Musicophilia), which is often used as a reference for the effects of music on the brain.

Experts from the fields of gerontology, neurology and music therapy confirm that music is far more than just entertainment – it is a valuable resource for our physical and mental health: both listening to music and actively making music have a significant effect on the brain. Receiving musical stimuli triggers a chain of neuronal reactions that have similar euphoric effects to sport, sex or the consumption of drugs. The sounds primarily activate two areas of the brain: the auditory cortex, which is responsible for processing the sounds, and the limbic system, the center of our emotions.

This connection promotes what is known as neuronal plasticity, which enables the brain to form new neuronal connections, strengthen existing ones or repair damaged ones. This has a positive effect on both our cognitive performance and our emotional state. Active music-making reinforces these effects even further: studies show that playing an instrument increases neuronal plasticity, improves fine motor skills and strengthens the connections between the two hemispheres of the brain. In addition, the ability to concentrate is trained, as the interplay of sounds, rhythm and movement requires complex brain processes.

Music therefore influences the brain on different levels and activates several regions at the same time. In addition to the release of endorphins, music also lowers the body’s own stress hormone cortisol and can therefore have a strong influence on both cognitive and emotional processes.

Music as a stress killer: lowering cortisol and promoting health

The consumption of music plays a key role in reducing stress. As stress increases the risk of various health problems such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, it is important to keep cortisol levels as low as possible. A reduction in the stress hormone cortisol is not only noticeable, but also measurable – for example through hormone tests. Such tests can help to scientifically confirm and individually track the positive effects of music on stress levels.

• Positive effect on the cardiovascular system: Music lowers blood pressure and heart rate by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and thus promotes heart health.
  
• Emotional stabilization: By reducing anxiety and depression (caused by stress), music strengthens emotional resilience.
  
• Strengthening the immune system: The activation of the parasympathetic nervous system also leads to more immune cells being formed.

How the Beats promote longevity and social connections

For centuries, music has been a tool for creating social connections in a wide variety of cultures. It plays a central role in rituals, celebrations and therapies – from traditional dances in indigenous communities to modern group meditation and music therapy sessions. The shared experience of music promotes cohesion, strengthens relationships and can reduce loneliness, which is particularly important in old age. Making music together – whether in a band, a choir or a music group – reinforces these effects. It connects people on an emotional level, strengthens team spirit and gives the feeling of being part of a community.

Social contacts are one of the five essential pillars of longevity. Studies show that strong social ties have a positive influence on life expectancy. Music connects: regardless of age, origin or life situation and strengthens the basis for a happy, long life.

Practical tips for everyday life

Perhaps you also remember a song that brings back old memories, whether positive or negative. It has been scientifically proven that we associate certain melodies with certain situations.

This close connection makes music a valuable companion for creating healthy habits and promoting positive changes in everyday life. Combine healthy habits such as meditation, journaling or Pilates with your favorite music. This makes the ritual more enjoyable and easier to integrate into everyday life.

Despite everything, silence also has a healing effect: it is important to give the brain regular breaks from acoustic stimuli. Moments of silence make it possible to sort out thoughts, find inner balance and better perceive the effect of music. Conscious silence and music even complement each other and ensure a healthy balance.

How you can use music specifically for your longevity

• Music in the morning: Energetic music is ideal for a good start to the day. The “good mood songs” not only increase your motivation, but also get your circulation going.
  
• Concentration-enhancing sounds: Instrumental music without lyrics is suitable for improving concentration while working. Classical music or relaxing ambient sounds are particularly effective for a focused workflow.
  
• Rest periods: Treat yourself to conscious breaks with calming sounds, such as the sounds of nature or meditative music. These help to reduce stress levels and restore your inner balance.
  
• Active music: Dynamic and invigorating rhythms get you going: jogging, Pilates or a walk.
  
• Relaxation in the evening: Slow, melodic songs are particularly suitable for switching off from a full day. The sounds of nature also prepare you for a good night’s sleep.

Beats for relaxation, concentration and creativity

By addressing several systems in the brain and body at the same time, music contributes to physical relaxation and stress management, which leads to better health and longevity in the long term. Different beats are suitable for different areas of everyday life:

• Relaxation: Regular rhythms calm the nervous system.
• Concentration: Instrumental music, without lyrics, supports the focused flow of work.
• Memory: Classical music (baroque or classical) supports cognitive ability through its logical structure.
• Creativity: Relaxing music such as lounge or jazz creates an inspiring atmosphere.
• Good mood: Cheerful and easily catchy music, pop, preferably with positive lyrics.
• Stress reduction: Soothing sounds such as nature sounds relax the nervous system.
• Performance: Energetic music that you can move to has a motivating and euphoric effect.

Conclusion: Music as the key to health and longevity

The statement mentioned at the beginning is fully justified: Music is far more than just entertainment. It is a valuable instrument for the mind and body that has numerous positive effects on our health and plays a crucial role in living a long and fulfilling life. Whether you listen to music or play it yourself – both forms have transformative powers.

So why not start now? Create your own personal playlist and integrate the power of music into your everyday life with sounds that relax, songs that motivate or melodies that help you concentrate. Make music your everyday companion – for a life full of balance, energy and longevity.

Sources:

• Sam Lee, Derek S Kimmerly. Influence of music on maximal self-paced running performance and passive post-exercise recovery rate. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2016.
• The influence of music on body, mind and soul. Hanover. 2025.
• The impressive effect of music on our bodies. Mental health train.
• Julia Grieser Painter, Stefan Koelsch. Can out-of-context musical sounds convey meaning? An ERP study on the processing of meaning in music. Wiley. 2010.