By Kangsan “Ed” Kim, Intern, USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology (Fall 2025)
Hi, my name is Kangsan “Ed” Kim, and I am an intern at Pallas Care from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology for Fall 2025. During my internship, I had the opportunity to reflect on one of the most constant and meaningful elements of my life—music. As part of this experience, I also recorded a video performance of Schubert’s An die Musik, a piece that beautifully captures the deep emotional power of song.
Music has been a faithful companion throughout every stage of my life, and I know I am not alone in that experience. It’s the song you danced to at a wedding, the tune that played during a long drive and changed how you felt in that moment, or the lullabies that comforted you as a child. As we grow older, these musical memories don’t fade—they often become even more meaningful. Music allows us to revisit joyful moments, connect with others, and express emotions in ways that words alone simply cannot.
Music, Memory, and Emotional Well-Being
One of the most remarkable qualities of music is its ability to meet us exactly where we are. Our moods, values, and sense of identity are often reflected in what we listen to. Through my work as a research assistant at USC’s Brain and Creativity Institute, I’ve seen firsthand how music positively affects both emotional wellness and cognitive health. Research consistently shows that music can help reduce stress, support memory recall, and improve overall mental well-being—benefits that are especially meaningful for older adults.
What’s even more powerful is how shared musical experiences connect people across generations and backgrounds. Whether it’s remembering ABBA songs from the radio or experiencing a classical performance like An die Musik, these moments link us through shared human emotion and creativity.
The Power of Making Music at Any Age
While listening to music is deeply rewarding, creating music offers a special kind of joy. As someone who has studied and performed opera for many years, I’ve witnessed how making music engages the brain, strengthens coordination, and fosters creativity. Learning a new melody, singing harmonies, or placing your fingers on a piano key helps keep the mind active and engaged—no matter your age.
There is also a profound sense of accomplishment in learning something new. That pride reinforces an important truth: we never lose our capacity to grow, learn, and create. This mindset aligns closely with healthy aging and lifelong fulfillment.
Inviting More Music Into Daily Life
Welcoming music into your life doesn’t require anything elaborate. It can be as simple as playing your favorite album while enjoying your morning coffee, tuning into a classic radio station, or rediscovering an instrument tucked away at home. What matters most is allowing music to remain a source of joy, comfort, and expression.
Music and Meaningful In-Home Care at Pallas Care
At Pallas Care, we believe that a meaningful life is built on genuine connection. That belief guides our personalized approach to in-home caregiving. Beyond supporting daily needs, we thoughtfully match caregivers with clients based on shared interests—whether that’s music, art, gardening, or other passions that bring purpose to everyday life.
When we learned that one of our Los Angeles–area clients was an opera enthusiast, we were honored to share my performance of Schubert’s An die Musik with him. His response reminded us why personalized companionship matters so deeply. These moments of shared joy are at the heart of what we do.
For seniors and families seeking compassionate, relationship-centered home care in Los Angeles, Pallas Care is committed to supporting not just health and safety, but also the passions and experiences that make life fulfilling. Through meaningful engagement, emotional connection, and personalized caregiving, we help clients continue living with purpose, dignity, and joy.