Could playing a musical instrument be good for your health?

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Could learning a musical instrument be good for your health? According to an online guide published on the BBC’s iWonder site, older adults who took drumming lessons had higher than average white blood cell counts, which are vital for an effective immune system. Kayleigh Cheer is a drumming teacher and said “If I didn’t play the drums every day I’d be a very stressed out person.” Kayleigh said “anyone can play the drums - you don’t have to good academically, you don’t need natural rhythm. But if you have a heartbeat you have natural rhythm.” The iWonder guide is part of the BBC’s Get Playing campaign, encouraging people to take up a musical instrument and share a video of themselves playing to the BBC musical orchestra. This clip is originally from 5 live Breakfast on Wednesday 13 July 2016.