As Johnny Depp said, “Music touches us emotionally, where words alone can’t.”
As senior citizens’ verbal abilities decline with age, these senior citizens can be even more receptive to music.
There are many enduring musical classics that almost everyone will recognize. Most of these songs are available through your iPhone on You Tube. For example, one “feel good” song is, “Singing in the rain,” by Gene Kelly. Another old favorite is “Amazing Grace.” A classical song to inspire caregivers and loved ones to bond is Ben E. King’s song, “Stand by me.”
How else can you choose songs your loved one will enjoy? You might remember songs that your loved one enjoyed. Perhaps your loved one will tell you some of his or her favorite songs. The best songs will be those that both of you enjoy. Singing along together with the song can be an incredible bonding experience.
Research shows that music therapy helps not only the loved one, but also the caregiver. It also improves social interactions between them. The power of music is so well researched and established that board certified music therapists work in adult day care, assisted living, nursing home, geriatric non-nursing, and geriatric psychiatric units.
Research shows that music therapy improves the dementia patient’s focus and ability to communicate. It also might lower their dependence on psychiatric drugs.
Music therapy is not new. In 1 Samuel 16:14–23, David, an accomplished musician, played the harp for King Saul to settle his troubled mind.
Research shows that music therapy is good for people of any age, including infants in neonatal wards. Music therapy can reduce anxiety, stress, and blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, improve mood, and help to manage pain.
How does music make you feel? Have you tried sharing music with your loved one?
