For those living with dementia, music is actually a pretty powerful thing. Hearing a familiar tune can bring out positive memories, and listening to songs which you love can also reduce anxiety, whilst improving the quality of life for those living with dementia. I’m partnering with Anavo, which is a care home group that has 14 care homes across the UK.
This is a collaborative post.
Music, Dance & Memory
This June, they are taking part in Care Home Open Week, which runs between 16th and 22nd June. They want to showcase how they are offering their residents a sense of purpose and independence throughout their later years. Their approach is person-centred care, taking a holistic approach and not just focusing on the clinical need of each person, but considering their personality and interests, whilst taking their preference into account.
Erin Boag, from Strictly Come Dancing, will be joining the residents for a dance session at their Surbitonian Gardens Care Home on Tuesday, 17th June. This is a wonderful experience for all, but it should offer an even more profound experience for one resident, Valerie Swinnard.
Valerie, who turned 100 earlier this year, starred as Miss Mason on screen and in the theatrical production of Twenty Minutes South, directed by Hattie Jacques. Valerie later became a dance teacher at the Andrew Hardy School of Dance in Kensington and went on to inspire so many budding dancers.
So, in celebration of Valerie and everyone who is turning 100 this year, I’ve pulled together some of the most recognisable songs from the last 10 decades. These songs may speak to these centenarians and remind them of treasured memories from years gone by.
1920s
Songs
1. “Swanee” – Al Jolson
2. “Rhapsody in Blue” – George Gershwin
3. “Charleston” – James P. Johnson
These early jazz and ragtime classics can evoke the post-war joy and cultural shift of the Roaring Twenties. Their upbeat rhythms can energise and stimulate movement, making them excellent for light exercise or dance therapy.
1930s
Songs
1. “Over the Rainbow” – Judy Garland
2. “In the Mood” – Glenn Miller
3. “Summertime” – Ella Fitzgerald
The Great Depression and the swing era music brought comfort and escapism. These popular tunes may prompt emotional responses and nostalgia, helping people feel grounded in comforting memories from this era.
1940s
Songs
1. “As Time Goes By” – Dooley Wilson
2. “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” – The Andrews Sisters
3. “White Christmas” – Bing Crosby
WWII-era songs can reconnect people with significant life events from the forties. You’ll find that the lyrics are often simple and memorable, which helps with lyric recall and sing-alongs.
1950s
Songs
1. “Rock Around the Clock” – Bill Haley & His Comets
2. “Unchained Melody” – The Righteous Brothers
3. “Love Me Tender” – Elvis Presley
The 1950s saw the dawn of rock ’n’ roll. Some people may recall memories from their teenage years and early adulthood, and this can help enhance identity and emotional connection.
1960s
Songs
1. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley
2. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” – The Beatles
3. “Stand by Me” – Ben E. King
You’ll find that the music from the 60s bridges early rock with soul and folk, making it powerful across generations. Songs could prompt deep reminiscence and emotional engagement.
1970s
Songs
1. “Let It Be” – The Beatles
2. “Dancing Queen” – ABBA
3. “Imagine” – John Lennon
The melodic softness and meaningful lyrics of 70s hits make them calming for all ages. Songs from the 70s can be perfect for relaxation sessions as they often bring a sense of peace and connection.
1980s
Songs
1. “Every Breath You Take” – The Police
2. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses
3. “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
These high-energy tracks stimulate alertness and movement. They are great for encouraging physical activity or even used as mood boosters during daytime care.
1990s
Songs
1. “Wonderwall” – Oasis
2. “My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion
3. “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
Although much more recent, songs from the 90s can benefit younger-onset dementia patients. The emotional depth in these ballads helps with emotional expression and can spark personal storytelling.
2000s
Songs
1. “Hey Ya!” – OutKast
2. “Fix You” – Coldplay
3. “Hallelujah” – Jeff Buckley
These more recent hits may have less appeal, but even so, they provoke memories made with younger family members, which can foster intergenerational bonding. Songs like “Fix You” can be emotionally resonant.
2010s
Songs
1. “Someone Like You” – Adele
2. “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
3. “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift
Songs from the 2010s are vibrant and rhythmic, ideal for group music sessions. Upbeat and familiar songs can ease social anxiety and bring joy to communal care settings.
It’s important to recognise what value music can bring to someone who is suffering from dementia. Music is powerful! While language and memory may fade, musical memory often remains remarkably intact.
Songs from a person’s youth and early adulthood can spark memories, elevate mood, reduce anxiety, and even improve communication. In dementia care, music isn’t just background noise—it’s a bridge to memory, emotion, and human connection.
You can find out more about what activities are taking place at your local Anavo Care Home during Care Home Open Week. Use the links below.
Sandstone Brook, Whitchurch, Shropshire
Surbitonian Gardens, Surbiton
Alexandra Mill, Crewe, Cheshire
Lindridge, Hove, West Sussex
Brampton Lodge, Warrington, Cheshire