Music can be used for relaxation, stimulation or even transformation, but for older adults it can also be distracting and affect memory recall. Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology found that while college students had no problem remembering names when they listened to background music, older adults remembered 10 percent fewer names. “Older adults who struggle to concentrate should schedule meetings in quieter locations. And when people get lost while driving, it’s probably best to turn off the radio,” said Sarah Reaves, a psychology grad student who led the study.
