There is good evidence that those who learn a musical instrument early in their lives may develop cognitive advantages. Researchers from Montreal have determined that playing music as a child has an impact on basic sensory processes as you age, giving you faster reaction times and keeping you more alert. But even if you never played as a child, or long ago put down your instrument, there are also tremendous advantages to taking up an instrument later in life. Whether it’s an activity to check off your bucket list or a passion you want to revive, playing an instrument as a senior can bring tremendous joy and satisfaction. Further, the older brain can certainly learn a musical instrument and there are cognitive benefits to diving into music, including memory enhancement and brain stimulation. To learn more about the benefits of playing music, both early and later in life, chime in and Read Here and Here.