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Greetings!
Here’s something I’ve been pondering.
When babies are born we know how important music is in their new lives and we provide it. We sing to soothe them, to play with them, to entertain them, to distract them, to teach them. We know it engages them. We know what their favorite songs are.
Why then, when older adults are no longer able to provide music for themselves do we leave them in silence, or worse yet trapped listening to music that may have nothing to do with their lives or memories?
Recently I spoke to the Meals on Wheels Volunteers at their annual training day. I was asked to talk about music and sing a few songs. As I prepared for this I thought about how the Meals on Wheels volunteers visit so many seniors and I wondered “How could these visits include some music?”
The answer was really very simple. Sing a familiar song. I suggested they could arrive singing, share a quick song together and leave singing.
One song at a time, those of us who interact with seniors have the  opportunity to bring music back into the lives of seniors.
Do you have staff members that could adopt this simple strategy?
Together, one by one, we can all share a song.
Singing with you,
Mary Sue
PS. Meals on Wheels Manager Lisa Robitshek recently called to tell me that many of the volunteers had indeed begun singing as they deliver meals. She remarked “It brings so much joy to their day.” It’s the ripple effect.
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Finding Memories Through Music
A Family Interview
This valuable tool will help you capture some of the wonderful memories that music "shakes loose." Use this interview to jog your own memory about the songs that have been the soundtrack for your life. Or use it to learn about your parents or the elders that you work with and care for. It will help you learn about the songs they enjoy and those that hold meaning for them. And it may spark some wonderful memories to be shared.
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 Mary Sue Wilkinson is the founder of Singing Heart to HeartTM and the Young at Heart Music Program. She is a career educator and professional musician. And she loves to sing! Her flagship program, Young at Heart Music, is devoted to bringing the joy of music and singing to seniors with decades of life experiences and memories tied to music. Mary Sue is available as a speaker sharing her expertise about the power of music to awaken memories and bring joy. Together with Tiyi Schippers, Mary Sue also provides music experiences for young children and training for early childhood educators.
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