music – Finishing Well In Life

Wayne and Bambi are having a good time singing a family favorite, "When Papa Put the Paper on the Wall"

Music is good medicine for those with dementia – take as needed

Posted on March 1, 2025March 1, 2025 by seniajean

My sister and I recently had a lovely chat about music and its important role in the lives of people with dementia. She told me about the amazing story of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.
Tony Bennett was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016. By then, Lady Gaga had become Tony’s devoted protégé. Even after his diagnosis, they were still singing together. In 2021, they performed two sold-out concerts “One Last Time: An Evening With Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.” The limiting and muting effects of Alzheimer’s seemed to disappear while he was singing.

The Balance of Dignity with Dementia

Posted on May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 by seniajean

Not too long ago, Wayne and I went out for a bite of lunch. We were enjoying ourselves. The food was good and there was pleasant music playing in the background. At one point, we noticed a family near us. It was a middle-aged couple and an older lady we assumed to be their Mama. She reminded me a bit of my Mama. She seemed to be having a delightful time while eating her meal as well as swaying to the music. When it changed to a faster tempo, she began clapping along. The couple with her seemed a bit uncomfortable with the way she was acting, saying things such as, “Settle down now Mama, eat your food.” And, “Don’t clap so loud, just enjoy the music.”

I love singing in the rain - both the action and the movie.

Singing is a lovely elixir for the soul

Posted on April 1, 2022September 21, 2024 by seniajean

Back in 1952, Gene Kelly took the world by storm in the musical, “Singin’ in the Rain”. When Arthur Freed wrote the lyrics for that iconic song, I suspect that he must have spent some time in the Carolina’s where the rains are abundant in every season of the year – especially in the spring.

This photo reminds me of Mama, her favorite color of roses resting on sheet music.

The Magic of Music in Memories

Posted on October 7, 2018October 28, 2023 by seniajean

The power of music to trigger memories is well documented in studies and by organizations such as Music and Memory . Singing with a loved one is a wonderful way to keep connected. Most folks have a song or two tucked away in their memory. A song learned when they were eight will remain with them when they are 80.

Mama loved to fold towels, warm from the dryer .

Tips for finding joy on the journey

Posted on November 10, 2016August 19, 2020 by seniajean

Anything, no matter how silly it seems, if it helps your loved one feel as if they can still do something to contribute is a worthwhile activity.

Allen Barker marches to a different drum

Posted on August 12, 2016August 18, 2020 by seniajean

“I have lived this long, not due to making good choices, but rather making interesting choices – but then they turned out to be good.” – Allen Barker

The “Piano Man” keeps rolling

Posted on July 1, 2016August 18, 2020 by seniajean

John is a quiet soul, who prefers to stay in the background – usually at a piano and let his music do the talking.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Posted on January 1, 2016January 9, 2018 by seniajean

Staying connected and taking part in activities helps a person with dementia feel less isolated.

Sing, sing, singing the blues away

Posted on July 24, 2015July 25, 2015 by seniajean

Are you feeling blue? Overwhelmed? Take heart – or take up singing. The almost magical affect music has on those suffering from dementia are well established, but what about those who care for them? Here’s some good news: I just read about a study that showed a wonderful side-benefit to music therapy. It seems that…

Singing along

Posted on June 8, 2015March 30, 2025 by seniajean

One of the most surprising discoveries we made in this adventure called “Caring for Mama”, was that the ability to sing does not decline at the same rate at other abilities – even talking. It could be, as my husband says that “Music does not reside in the brain, it lives in the soul.” That…