Music Therapy with Seniors

Seniors with dementia

I love working with seniors because they are willing to try new things when they are in a music group. Some of their favorite activities include changing the words to old songs to make a joke, or tell a story.  After drumming groups, so many seniors in our music groups have exclaimed "I can't believe that, at my age, I am learning how to drum!" Singing together is so much fun because we sing the music from their youth, which spans from the 1930's to the 1960's (I pick the songs that were hits when they were 20 years old, and always take requests).  Watching live performance videos of their preferred music, whether it be classical, opera or rock and roll, brings back feelings and memories we can share with our peers.  Music and seniors are a match made in heaven.

Drumming

We practice "no-fault drumming" and that means you can't make a mistake! Drumming is wonderfully engaging for all ages, but especially for seniors.  Drumming promotes physical and emotional healing, boosts the immune system, and produces feelings of well-being.  We play rhythmic games and drum to our favorite old songs. Attention is given to each player to meet their sensory needs, including volume, ability to hold an instrument comfortably and play without fatigue.

Singing Together

As we age, word retrieval can be hard, and for many people with Alzheimers, verbal expression is frustrating. However, give them a song they know from their youth and they have the satisfaction of singing all the words. Studies have shown that singing together releases endorphins in the brain. This is due in part to the social experience of enjoying singing together and the increase in oxygen to the brain. The gentleman in this picture is leading a room full of his peers in one of a favorite Sinatra sing-a-long.