If you are a caregiver for the elderly in a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or even a caregiver for the elderly at home, you know that music is special in their lives. Older people enjoy a good melody and can appreciate an uplifting beat to help them get out of a rut and put a smile on their face, if for no other reason then they feel happy. That’s why singing group songs for seniors is such a fun time.
The elderly enjoy the memories that come to them with some of the music they know best from their past. The kind of music they enjoy the most is harder to find. And there are fewer people who can relate to them.
Older people love to sing in a group. The group together can appreciate the old tunes they know and love. They can share memories with each other about the songs. Something special happens when a group sings together. It’s a bit more energized than just listening to it alone. If you have organized a group of seniors, then you know what I mean. Even the elderly at home enjoy going out with other people to enjoy music and sing in a group.
What are the best songs to sing in a group for seniors?
It’s not so easy to find them anymore, but they are out there. You can get old music on CD, but DVDs are a little harder to find. Even VHS is getting harder to find. Almost all songs older people know are good for group singing, but depending on your audience, louder, faster-paced music might not be suitable. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can make it difficult for some older people to enjoy louder, faster-paced songs, so keep this in mind when selecting your music.
Vintage music is good. This can help bring back fond memories of family, childhood, and earlier milestones in their lives. Love songs are always a good bet, and there is also ethnic music. German or Scottish flavored melodies, for example, can really cheer up the elderly who grew up in these homelands. Ask older people in your care what kind of music they like and offer it to them. However, not everyone in a group will know all the ethnic songs.
Where do you find them?
The songs provided on DVD can offer something to watch as the musicians or other singers sing. You can find many of the old classics that seniors know and love on Melodic Memories DVD. In addition to the classics, they also have Christmas songs and traditional gospel.
Offer the gift of music to the elderly in your care with a planned fun time with music and songs. With group songs for seniors, not only will seniors have fun, but you will too!