Welcome! I'm a 48 (and 1/2) year old, wife, mother (8 1/2 year old son), daughter, sister, friend and volunteer. So, 48.5 really means I'm into my 49th year on this amazing planet, and on July 19, 2010, I'll be in my 50th year. The mid-century mark. L. The big 5-0. However you want to say it, to most of the English speaking world, it means "old". I want to get there with grace, passion, beauty, love and laughter. I want to get there the old-fashioned way: by taking care of myself, eating right, creating a balanced life, laughing and living life to it's fullest. I'll be documenting my journey and hope you will watch and learn along the way. I'll also provide some of my tips for looking young and feeling your best as we head to and beyond our mid-century mark. Here's to being "Beautifully 50".

Monday, February 15, 2010

Let the Music Play

I'm betting that if you are reading this, you own an iPod or MP3 player.  If not, add one to your next birthday wish list.  It's wonderful, the amount of music available and inexpensive for the masses to enjoy these days, everything from pop to jazz to opera and classical.

Dr. Mao's research shows a large number of centenarians enjoying the sounds of music, but not the fast, "I Gotta Feeling" Black Eyed Pea's stimulating music, but the slow, soothing music of the world's classics. Think "Peter and the Wolf" or "Claire de Lune" or any of the great masters - Beethoven, Bach, Mozart et al.

Music has been a traditional part of healing ceremonies and rituals across the world with a rich history of therapeutic use.  Calming, classical music not only enhances cognitive functions such as memory, concentration and reasoning skills, but it also boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, relaxes muscle tension, regulates stress hormones, elevates mood and increases endurance (Secrets of Longevity).  WOW. And, guess who's among the longest living of all professionals? You got it, the classical musician, especially the orchestra conductor.  Even plants, serenaded with soothing classical music, lived longer on average than plants exposed to harsh, jarring music.

Now, I'm not giving up my favorite Black Eyed Peas, Phoenix, U2, Justin Timberlake (yes, I'm 48 and love him!) or any of the other thousand songs on my iPod, but I will be adding more classical to my music library. Also, I'm hoping that New Age, Opera and soft jazz have the same benefits as classical, as I've already downloaded many a CD in these genres. So, if you're like me and seeking longevity, tune in to music on the softer side of that iPod song list.

My current go-to tunes for relaxation:

Enigma's Love, Sensuality, Devotion Greatest Hits



Diana Krall Quiet Nights




Luciano Pavarotti Nessun dorma



Jem - Finally Woken

Love to know your favorites too....now, it's time to relax...

4 comments:

The Blushing Hostess said...

I adore the Diana Krall album for any number of occasions. Agreed! Though, I must admit, classical music does hit a limit for me, I agree it is important, at the very least, to be well-rounded.

La Dolfina said...

Great post... I like the way you think, especially about matters of health and aging beautifully and gracefully!
~xo always

MrsKP said...

Your fans want to know ... did you get the caftan or not?!?

A Perfect Gray said...

Yes! diana krall. saw her recently in concert and she was wonderful.