Music for seniors is one of the most beautiful ways to travel down memory lane. Everyone has favorites from various times and occasions in our lives from a couple’s first song, and the first dance at their wedding, to the selections that brought cheer or comfort through the years for births, graduations, vacations and celebrations.
Some seniors still have memories of the turn of the century and World War 1 and World War 2. The time when radio broadcast music to encourage a nation and salute the lost. You don’t even have to go back that far. The 40’s, 50’s and 60’s had just as many beloved singers and musicians that seniors are still fans of today. They will remember Jonny Mathis, Neil Diamond, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Barbra Streisand, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Barry Manilow and so very many others. Begin to play the first bar of music and they’ll be swinging, swaying, tapping and humming to the Pointer Sisters, Benny Goodman, Dinah Shore, Frankie Laine, Doris Day, Gene Autry and even more. Music and song has a way of taking us back in time and seniors can be especially glad for the trip down memory lane with these old familiar ‘friends’.
As seniors age old pleasures slip away and earlier memories seem to become increasingly distant. If living in long term care facilities many family and friends have become distant as well. This can lead to loneliness, sadness and even depression.
Music can bring back memories and the feelings and sensations that enliven the spirit, put a skip in the step, and smile on the face. Singing along to music has many physiological benefits from released endorphins to more oxygen in the lungs, the blood and the brain.
Music for seniors has only positives and no negatives. For seniors you know that could use some cheering or a time to share some memories that may seem forgotten, share some music with them. Sing with them. Find a place that they may join in singing with others.