[78-L] music making a big difference to residents in rest homes

[David Lennick]

A friend of my wife's is in a retirement facility in Toronto and the one time 
we joined her for lunch, I heard a lot of Vera Lynn. Take that for what it's 
worth. Another friend, a jazz collector and discographer who's still an active 
member of a few groups and is over 80, is in a facility that has regular Sunday 
afternoon presentations of everyone's favourite music.

I hope I go deaf before I have to spend my days listening to Dame Vera (sorry, 
Earl).

dl

On 4/8/2012 3:47 PM, Rod Brown wrote:
> I hope this seems entirely on-topic, since the music people in rest homes,
> assisted living facilities, etc., would presumably like to hear was first
> pressed on shellac.
>
> I'd been wondering in recent times whether the "old folks homes" in my area
> are giving their clients enough music of the sort they would chose for
> themselves. My uncle Alfred spent his last few years in a very good quality
> facility that got high marks in most every category, but the music played
> in the cafeteria at meal times was apparently chosen for the staff, not the
> residents. Lots of light rock from the 70s and even later. It was Alfred's
> only serious complaint.
>
> And while I was wondering about such things, this movie clip came my way.
> It's a good-un, imho. We get to see the great difference made in a very old
> man's mood and responsiveness, when he's given access to some of his
> favorite music. Powerful stuff. Well-known Dr. Oliver Sacks has weighs in
> briefly.
>
> Here's the link:
>
> http://www.wimp.com/reactionmusic/
>
> I think I need to check in at one or two local facilities and ask about how
> their residents get access to the music they love best. Maybe there's a
> volunteer opportunity there for a collector of 78s. I would undoubtedly
> learn a lot.
>
> Best wishes to all,
> Rod