Playlist for Life

We have been piloting our Playlist for Life project with residents over the summer and it has been a total “hit”.

Although the project is specifically targeted at people with Dementia or memory problems, it is also a lot of fun for anyone who enjoys music and wants to get out of the house. We have lots of resources and people get to pick tunes that invoke memories and it gives them individually, and as a group, the opportunity to reminisce and relive old times. Tea and Buns will be provided.

If you are interested in taking part with a loved one who has dementia or if you are a senior who just wants to get out of the house and have a bit of craic then give us a call to join in. The programme will be rolling out in September.

About

Playlist for Life is a music and dementia charity. The charity was founded in 2013 by writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson after the death of her mother, Mamie, who had dementia. Their vision is simple: we want everyone with dementia to have a unique, personalised playlist and everyone who loves or cares for them to know how to use it.

Click on Play below to watch Ken, who usually uses a walker and has poor mobility, dancing with his daughter in law. He starts relatively cautiously, but gets more adventurous with his feet leaving the ground.  he is able to do things he wouldn’t normally be able to do.  Look how triumphant he is at the end.

The benefits of a personalised playlist

Over two decades of scientific research has shown that listening to a personalised playlist can improve the lives of those living with dementia. In fact, listening to music that is personally meaningful has many psychological benefits, meaning anyone can benefit from a playlist. Personalised playlists can:

  • reduce anxiety
  • improve your mood
  • make difficult tasks more manageable
  • evoke memories that can help families and carers connect.
  • Playlist for Life harnesses the powerful effects of personal music to help anyone who is affected by dementia, their families and carers. Whether it’s the music from a first dance, lullabies from childhood or a theme tune from a favourite TV show, music has the ability to take us back in time and remind us of our past, giving you that flashback feeling. Sharing your songs and memories can help people living with dementia connect with family, friends and carers.