ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ

Dr Amanda Krause is a music psychology researcher at James Cook ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ, studying how people experience music and the radio in everyday life.

She said research increasingly highlights how music and the arts are beneficial to our well-being, and this includes engaging with radio.

“About 10.9 million Australians listen to commercial radio and 5.9 million to community radio, which includes the ABC. When you consider all the other distractions such as the internet, video games and TV that weren’t around when radio began, those are remarkable figures and a tribute to its longevity,” said Dr Krause.

She said radio has the advantage of being cheap and easy to access, and, crucially, people can listen while doing something else.

“It’s a simple way to keep in touch with the community and up to date on news, it exposes us to other points of view, and makes us think.

“A great benefit of listening to familiar radio presenters and content is that it can improve your mood, spark joy and memories, and help you feel calm and relaxed,” said Dr Krause.

Dr Krause said a growing body of research shows the arts – and music in particular – can support well-being in older age, with numerous therapeutic, health, and well-being benefits identified, including those relating to mood, self-esteem, social, cognitive, physical, and quality of life.

“Some claim the earliest experimental radio signals in Australia were broadcast in 1897 – very shortly after Marconi’s first broadcast in Europe - and it’s accepted the first official broadcast here was in 1906. So, Australians have a long history with radio. It’s a relationship that has stood the test of time and doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon.”

Dr Krause has created a guide to share the findings from her research. You can download a copy of the pamphlet from Dr Krause’s research website .