Music is more than just sound—it's a direct line to the past. A favorite song can stir forgotten memories, lift spirits, and create powerful emotional connections. For older adults, especially those living with memory loss, music can be a gentle yet transformative form of therapy.
Whether it's a lullaby from childhood, a wedding song, or a favorite oldies tune from the radio, music has the unique ability to reach places in the brain that other forms of communication can't.
Neurologists have discovered that music activates multiple parts of the brain, including areas responsible for emotion, memory, and movement. This is especially significant for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, where traditional communication often becomes challenging.
Listening to meaningful music can:The most effective music therapy is deeply personal. Creating a playlist that resonates with your loved one’s life experiences can be a meaningful gift—and a simple one to give.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Think about major milestones: weddings, graduations, family road trips, and favorite concerts. Which songs were playing in the background?
Research shows that music from a person's teens and early twenties tends to have the strongest emotional impact.
Explore everything from classical to country—sometimes a surprising genre can unlock a special memory.
Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, and Apple Music make it easy to search by decade, genre, or artist. You can even share playlists with family or caregivers.
Watch how your loved one responds. Some songs may spark joy or calm; others might be overstimulating or bring up difficult emotions. Adjust the playlist accordingly.
Incorporating music into daily life is a small change that can make a big difference. It’s a way to connect, to reminisce, and to bring a little more joy into everyday moments.
Want to explore how music and other holistic approaches can support your loved one’s memory and well-being?
Visit our Holistic Health Care Resource Hub to learn how personalized care plans, purposeful activities, and therapies like music are helping older adults live each day with more meaning and joy.