Just Back From My Doctor. - Unexpected Results

[StargazerTony]

Just returned from my annual physical. He always asks if I exercise regularly. I casually mentioned that I've taken up the accordion and the harmonica. After a lengthy and ackward pause, he smiled and said that he has read studies about the many benefits of playing such musical instruments.

The accordion exercises the upper body, arms and lungs. Finger movement helps control the spread of some types of arthritis

The harmonica is now used in the treatment of some forms of COPD for it exercises the lungs

And for both, the concentration of learning is of mental benefit and usually those who play musical instruments, have a richer social life.

So now, in the addition to the enjoyment if it, I play for medical reasons too

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Tony,

Good to know that your Doctor approves of your accordion playing. Perhaps he will promote our instrument through his client list.

Why not take your instrument along with you next year .......... start a fashion. I have played a couple of times at my Barber's Shop.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[StargazerTony]

Never thought of playing in a barber shop. A barber shop accordion quartet? I'm bald and only visit a barber bi or even tri monthly. He never charges me a haircutting fee but does charge me a finder's fee instead.

 

[Glenn]

Possibly get a new accordion payed for by your health insurance. Now that’s an interesting avenue of idle day-dreaming.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[debra]

When my doctor (or assistant) asks how I exercise I always say that I play the accordion. I always get an interesting reaction (initially of disbelief that I would even mention that as exercise).

 

[JEBrown]

I was glad this thread has a positive outcome - I was worried when I saw the title! Typically musicians develop muscular or joint conditions from holding instruments in a particular way, or hearing problems from being sat too close to the brass or percussion section, or mouth / tooth problems for wind players, or back problems from carrying heavy cases...

Very happy that your doctor sees the positive side of playing an instrument. I'm convinced that the mental agility and physical dexterity required to play the accordion is very good for the brain, hopefully protecting from dementia...

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Tony,

My Barber (Ken) has been cutting my hair since 1965. He is a very old fashioned Barber, well above retirement age, with a "one chair" business. One day, a year or so ago, I took my accordion into the shop. It was a very hot day, and I did not want to leave my instrument in the car. It had not been my intention to play it, merely to protect it from the heat, but Ken was having none of it. "Give us a tune", he said, and I obliged.

Since then I have taken it in a couple of times, to the surprise and delight of other customers. Every time I visit, Ken asks me where the accordion is. I don't want to make it too routine, so I limit it to an occasional event.

Yesterday afternoon (first Monday of the month) I played for my Dementia & Carers Group. One of the ladies, who I have mentioned before on this forum, is 94 and wheelchair bound. She suffers very badly from dementia, but seems to rally when I play tunes from the 40's & 50's. She is especially fond of La Vie en Rose, which, fortunately, coincides with my own musical tastes. Believe it or not, this frail old lady actually sang along with Que Sera, Sera. This may not seem very important but, given her condition, it is a minor miracle.

I have noticed a fair number of similar outcomes in the Care Homes I play in. One very elderly chap appeared to be lost and forlorn, until I started to play Wooden Heart. He sang every verse, word for word, and appeared rejuvenated for the remainder of the afternoon.

So little effort ....... Such rich rewards.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[JeffJetton]

I find that playing the accordion is good exercise not only for me, but also for others. Everyone within earshot seems to suddenly take up a keen interesting in running.

 

[StargazerTony]

This may not seem very important but, given her condition, it is a minor miracle.

Oh, I think this is very important. Not only does it speak to the power of music in general, and the accordion in particular but to the universal need for varied human contact

 

[losthobos]

I think I'm in Jeff's band too <EMOJI seq="1f609">?</EMOJI>

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Tony,

I'm glad you see it that way. Every bit of evidence I have points to the same conclusion.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[Keymn]

I will never forget...when my mom was in a nursing home with severe dementia. I performed a show on her old keyboard. After the show, she sat at the keyboard and started playing.
Throughout her life she always had an accordion or keyboard and play for enjoyment. Even her tips on being a performer on the accordion,”do not play Polkas too fast and smooth bellow movement”, was well remembered.

 

[StargazerTony]

I will never forget...when my mom was in a nursing home with severe dementia. I performed a show on her old keyboard. After the show, she sat at the keyboard and started playing.
.

Music is such a powerful force that it can sometimes break through the fog of dementia and other mind stealing afflictions and make some people quite lucid for awhile. Three of us, (drums, guitar, accordion) travel to nursing homes and play for them. My playing is so bad I usually wind up directing them in song. Weve rigged up a PowerPoint presentation to the large screen TV and can show the songs words in big letters, but most of the time they start to recall the words by themselves. Even the ones who dont speak or move wind up taking part

 

[Keymn]

I will never forget...when my mom was in a nursing home with severe dementia. I performed a show on her old keyboard. After the show, she sat at the keyboard and started playing.
.

Music is such a powerful force that it can sometimes break through the fog of dementia and other mind stealing afflictions and make some people quite lucid for awhile. Three of us, (drums, guitar, accordion) travel to nursing homes and play for them. My playing is so bad I usually wind up directing them in song. Weve rigged up a PowerPoint presentation to the large screen TV and can show the songs words in big letters, but most of the time they start to recall the words by themselves. Even the ones who dont speak or move wind up taking part

The important thing that matters to me when performing Assisted Living, nursing facilities, “do your best show!”.
Some may not look responsive but still enjoy the moment. Uptempo music gives them a smile.

 

[Keymn]

Just returned from my annual physical. He always asks if I exercise regularly. I casually mentioned that Ive taken up the accordion and the harmonica. After a lengthy and ackward pause, he smiled and said that he has read studies about the many benefits of playing such musical instruments.

The accordion exercises the upper body, arms and lungs. Finger movement helps control the spread of some types of arthritis

The harmonica is now used in the treatment of some forms of COPD for it exercises the lungs

And for both, the concentration of learning is of mental benefit and usually those who play musical instruments, have a richer social life.

So now, in the addition to the enjoyment if it, I play for medical reasons too

On my last checkup, with great results! my doctor asked “do you workout”? At times when I get up in morning after a gig, feel a little aches and pains. To me, It is worth it...

 

[StargazerTony]

Well, aches and pains are put there to remind one that they have done something useful.

 

[Keymn]

With the smaller FR4x, I have been getting upper arm pain. I stand most of the time and lately lengthened the straps which lowered the accordion. This helped alleviate the pain. I think with my longer arms, helped extend them more. Although, seems to put more weight on the shoulders. Performing 3-5 gigs a week is putting a wear on this 65+ body. Sitting and playing is not an option at this time since many of my gigs are either stage shows or County Club dinner strolling. Not sure if a back strap will help? Anyone experiencing this type of pain?

 

[JIM D.]

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