Djembe Drumming for Seniors

The djembe is quite possibly one of the most versatile instruments around. Not only can it span music genres, but the act of djembe drumming itself also transcends cultures, ethnicity, and age. Since we’ve already discussed drumming for kids, today we’re going to touch on just a few of the reasons why drumming benefits seniors in particular, as well as offer a few good product suggestions for those in their later years.

Benefits of Djembe Drumming For Seniors

Drumming Builds Community and Relationships:

Group drumming and drum circles are a great way to enhance connectedness with others. Since each individual drummer is a part of a grander rhythm scheme, it makes for a powerful sense of group bonding and discourages isolation. For those seniors looking to get out and establish new relationships, djembe drumming is a great option. For those in an assisted/group living situation, drumming is a great bonding activity.

Drumming Keeps the Mind Strong

In a study performed at the University of Colorado Boulder, drumming was shown to significantly increase attention span and focus in those with Alzheimer’s. The study claimed that those in an advanced state of dementia were sometimes able to regain the ability to speak after just one drumming session.

Drumming Is Good For Your Health

A recent medical research study conducted by cancer expert Barry Bittman, MD, indicates that drumming boosts the immune system. The study claimed that group drumming actually increases cancer killing cells, which help the body fight cancer and other viruses.

Djembe Suggestions For Seniors

We always say that there’s no one set of rules for which type of djembe you should play for your age, height etc. Each individual is unique, so please don’t think of the guidelines below as restrictions. The important thing is the act of drumming itself and not getting too hung up in the details.

Light-weight djembes: Synthetic djembes, particularly Fiberglass Djembes , are a wonderful light-weight alternative to wooden djembe versions, and you definitely won’t sacrifice sound with these. Check out the clip of Jesus Ramirez demonstrating an XL Key-Tuned Fiberglass Djembe below.

Freedom Drums XL Key-Tuned Fiberglass Djembe Demonstration

Low-maintenance Djembes: We always stress that the Mali-weave process used to tune a rope-tuned djembe drum is much easier than it looks. However, it can take a bit of strength and some seniors would rather just drum without having to worry about this process. That’s why we recommend a key-tuned Fiberglass Djembe. Each one of these djembes comes with a tuning wrench and all it takes is tightening of the lugs whenever you feel the need to tune it.

Djembe Carrying Cases: A djembe bag can make a world of difference when it comes to lugging your djembe around from place to place. A proper djembe bag will have cushioned straps and a layer of padding which not only protects your drum but also makes it much easier on you to tote your djembe around.