We all know how good it feels to hear a familiar song that brings on wonderful memories. For me, it’s 80’s & 90’s music, I think of high school, finding joy in running, and college years. Sometimes I become emotional remembering an event that I hadn’t thought about for years, or remembering an old friend. So imagine what the power of music can do for an elderly person suffering from dementia who has 80 or 90 years of memories inside. A friend shared this beautiful clip showing the transformation of one man when he hears his favorite music from his earlier years.
It’s simply amazing. Before the introduction of the music, he does not interact with others, he doesn’t move, simply sitting in his chair, existing. When the headphone are put on his ears and the music starts, he sings, he moves, his face is full of expression. He then talks to the interviewer about his favorite music and how it makes him feel.
The clip is an excerpt from a new documentary called “Alive Inside” and premiers in New York on April 18th. What can the power of music do for your residents?
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was searching for! “Music is a higher revelation than philosophy.” by Ludwig van Beethoven.
There are indeed many reasons why the elderly can be depressed and you seem to have covered a great many reasons here. Another important reason that I have read about is due to medications. Older adults are far more likely to be taking a number of medications and these medications can cause depression by themselves or as a result of drug interactions. Because of this, it is important for us to be mindful of these drugs we or a loved one might be taking that might cause depression.