If you’ve recently made the leap into full-time retirement, you may be finding yourself with a lot of extra time on your hands. There are plenty of ways to fill that time, from book clubs to board games and painting to yoga.
But if you’re interested in taking up a hobby that will enhance your mind and body, that can be enjoyed on your own, and that can open doors to new friendships, you just may want to consider learning to play an instrument.
Maybe you’re thinking that retirement is much too late in life to learn an instrument. That ship has sailed, right?
Well, think again! Studies show that there are bountiful benefits to learning new musical skills during your retirement. In fact, retirement may be the best time to study a new instrument.
Check out our top 5 reasons why you should learn to play an instrument in your golden years:
1. Cognitive Benefits: Stay Mentally Sharp Through Music
Learning to play a musical instrument is one of the best mental workouts available. The act of learning stimulates an area of the brain that’s involved with memory and concentration, putting you on the winning side of the “use it or lose it” dilemma.
Not to mention, taking part in cognitively challenging activities is proven to have a positive effect on warding off Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
2. You will reap a variety of physical health benefits.
Learning a new instrument isn’t just good for your mind, it’s good for your body, too.
Research from the Making Music and Wellness Project suggests that playing an instrument can increase coordination and slow certain aging conditions, such as osteoporosis and loss of muscle mass. These conditions occur when levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) get too low. In this study, blood tests indicated a 90% increase in levels of HGH in seniors who were given keyboard lessons, meaning they experienced a decrease in their risk of muscle and bone loss.
3. Music as Therapy for Retirees
Have you ever noticed that listening to music can lift your spirits, calm you down and improve your mood? According to researchers, those positive effects are amplified when you’re the one creating those soothing melodies.
Sitting down with an instrument to create music is a great way to blow off steam, release stress, express yourself, and spend time reflecting. The Making Music and Wellness Project also concluded that learning to make music can help retirees overcome depression and anxiety.
4. It will make you happier.
Making music has intrinsic value – meaning that people enjoy doing it simply for the sake of doing it, and not as a means for achieving any specific end result. When we take part in an activity that has intrinsic value, we experience instant satisfaction, fulfillment, and happiness.
Not only is making music incredibly fun, but you’ll feel great about yourself as you notice your musical abilities improving over time.
5. You’ll find new ways to connect with others.
Who says that learning an instrument has to be a solo act? By taking the leap into music-making, you’ll be exposed to a whole new set of opportunities to build relationships and connect with others. You can invite friends and family members to play with you, or you can put your skills to use by performing in community events.
If you have grandchildren, learning an instrument will provide you with yet another chance to bond with them. You can teach them what you know, or even take lessons together!
Whether you’re interested in learning to play an instrument for the health benefits or just for the simple joy of it, you’ll certainly enjoy many benefits that will enrich your retirement experience.
Would you consider learning to play an instrument during your retirement? Which instrument would you like to play? Tell your story in the comments below!
It’s Never Too Late: Overcoming Age Barriers in Music Learning
Perhaps you’re reading this article with a mix of excitement and doubt… On one hand, the idea of learning an instrument sounds appealing. Or you might be thinking “I wish I’d started when I was young, it’s probably too late for me now…”
Age concerns are one of the most common barriers that keep adults from pursuing their musical dreams. But the truth is that when it comes to learning music, your attitude matters far more than the number on your birthday cake :)
We’ve seen again and again at Musical U that people who take up music in their retirement years often make faster progress than youngsters, not slower. As piano teacher Bill Hilton puts it, those who come in with dedication and the right mindset will “go so much further faster” than a twenty-year-old who’s “just kind of dilettanting their way through it”. The physical advantages of youth simply can’t compete with the drive and dedication that characterize serious adult learners. And here’s another encouraging reality: when it comes to music, people ultimately judge what they hear, not the age of the person making it. The quality of your playing matters, not the year you were born.
If you’re recently retired, you have several distinct advantages over younger learners. You have the freedom of time and energy to commit to daily practice without cramming it into fifteen minutes between other obligations. You can really relax into it and enjoy the journey without the pressure of rushing towards some arbitrary deadline. This freedom to learn at your own pace, without the stress of fighting against work and family responsibilities, is a genuine superpower.
Another key insight about adult music learning: improvement doesn’t happen in a straight line. You might practice something for what feels like weeks or months with no apparent changes, and then suddenly… Bang! There it is. That’s simply how the human brain works. Eventually, the neural circuits you need get built and spring into action. Being conscious of this can help you stay committed during those plateaus, trusting that your consistent effort is building something (even when you can’t see it yet).
There’s also a psychological dimension to learning music as an adult that’s worth embracing. While you’re developing adult skills and discipline, there’s still a part of you that’s connected to your younger self. That 5-year-old or 12-year-old who found joy in play and exploration. Successful adult learners tap into this by giving themselves “every advantage” and indulging in things that “bring you joy and light you up and get you into that fun, open, exploratory place“. Whether it’s choosing an instrument with an aesthetic you love or playing music that genuinely excites you, honoring what makes learning enjoyable is not to be underestimated.
Perhaps most importantly, success as an adult learner is not some innate talent or perfect physical coordination. It’s making time every day to commit to your goal and, crucially, enjoying what you’re doing along the way. The journey never really ends. There’s always something new to learn or a way to improve. So while you’re on that journey you might as well enjoy it. Don’t worry if the breakthroughs you hope for don’t arrive exactly when you think they will. What matters is consistent, rigorous practice paired with genuine enjoyment of the process.
So if you’ve been hesitating because you think you’re too old to start learning an instrument, consider this your permission to let that concern go. Your age is not a liability. When combined with the right attitude and approach, your stage of life might actually be the perfect time to begin.
Looking for a place to become part of a community and make some lasting friendships with like-minded people in similar life circumstances? Connect with an encouraging group of musicians who will keep you engaged at every age, inside Musical U!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 60 too old to learn a musical instrument? (or 70… 80… 90…!)
Absolutely not! Retirement is actually the best time to learn an instrument. With extra time on your hands and the opportunity to create a new self-identity, this life stage offers ideal conditions for musical learning. Age shouldn’t slow you down from pursuing what you love.
How can learning music help during the retirement transition?
Learning music helps you create a new self-identity during retirement. Many new retirees struggle with having more time than they know what to do with. Taking up an instrument provides purposeful activity that enhances your mind while you figure out this new life chapter.
Can learning music in retirement help you make friends?
Yes! Learning an instrument doesn’t have to be a solo act. It exposes you to whole new opportunities to build relationships and connect with others. You can invite friends and family members to play together, creating meaningful social connections through music-making.
What are the health benefits of learning music later in life?
Research shows music has hidden benefits on your body and mind. Learning music improves your quality of life in indirect ways, from cognitive enhancement to overall well-being. It’s a hobby that enriches both mental and physical health as you age.
