Why Does Music Have so Much Power in the Golden Years?

Speaking as an almost 60 y.o., I am increasingly aware on a daily basis that music makes me happy and encouraged when I'm feeling down, it calms me when I'm feeling anxious and it brings back loads of happy memories when life seems dull and uninteresting! Why? Well, obviously a lot of it has to do with brain chemistry, memory function and the power of association! Just think back for a minute:

• do you remember your first kiss?
• your first school dance?
• your first real love?
• your first child?

All of these famous firsts usually have music associated with them. Songs I remember from that part of my life include:

• "And they called it puppy love"
• "Cupid"
• "Sealed with a kiss"
• "Can't help falling in love with you"

All I have to do is remember the tune and I'm zapped back to the sixties and all the memories I can squeeze into a few hours! The older we get, the more memories of people, places, events, movies, vacations, etc, etc. Keep track of the soundtrack to YOUR life and enjoy it often!