PROGRAMS FOR SENIORS
It's a good idea to book me on a regular monthly basis. This allows the residents and me to get to know each other better and provides a sense of security to seniors who are in different stages of memory loss.
WATCH a show HERE.
Listen to samples on SOUNDCLOUD
Some themes and ideas for programming can include:
* By request I can add flute, violin, piano, percussion and assorted instruments.
1. Music while you dine
2. Jazz; 30's & 40's Swing Classics
3. Irish favorites
4. Jewish & Israeli: Includes Israeli, Eastern European, Liturgical and more in Hebrew, English and Yiddish. A fun way to learn about Judaism.
5. Memory Lane and Grandparent's Day: Invite the family and grandkids to sing kids songs, rhymes, fingerplays and more!
6. Cowboy Songs & Country Music
7. Art Songs: Renaissance & Medieval eras on guitar, recorder, flute
8. Fun with Folk Instruments: Features songs played on assorted folk instruments including the autoharp, dulcimer, spoons, assorted percussion, banjo, flutes and more.
9. Exercise with Music: Muga (yoga and music) for Seniors
10. Music of the 50's and 60's and different eras
11. Waltzes: played by a duo or trio
Assisted Living
I have extensive experience working with seniors in many capacities. Seniors enjoy an interactive-style concert; playing simple hand-held percussion instruments, singing old-time favorites, jazz, country and folk music, and learning about me and my life journey through story and song. Residents are encouraged to sing along, play on varied percussion instruments, participate in limited chair exercises, and even share their own stories and memories.
Background Music
My musical versatility allows me to present an array of musical styles and genres that can create a wonderful atmosphere to dine by, for tea-time, to relax to, and for memorials, celebrations and occasions.
Nursing Home & Memory Care
Treat residents to a concert of popular, familiar and favorite songs to trigger memory and recall. Memory loss residents also enjoy playing assorted percussion instruments to stimulate interactive participation and physical activity including chair exercises as part of the fun.
Therapeutic Music
As a trained therapeutic musician I make personal visits to residents at bedside if they are unable to attend group activities and concerts.
Music for Transition
As a trained therapeutic musician I make personal visits to residents at bedside whether it be at their home, hospital, hospice or any place of residence.
I am available to play appropriate music for funerals and memorials.
It's a good idea to book me on a regular monthly basis. This allows the residents and me to get to know each other better and provides a sense of security to seniors who are in different stages of memory loss.
WATCH a show HERE.
Listen to samples on SOUNDCLOUD
Some themes and ideas for programming can include:
* By request I can add flute, violin, piano, percussion and assorted instruments.
1. Music while you dine
2. Jazz; 30's & 40's Swing Classics
3. Irish favorites
4. Jewish & Israeli: Includes Israeli, Eastern European, Liturgical and more in Hebrew, English and Yiddish. A fun way to learn about Judaism.
5. Memory Lane and Grandparent's Day: Invite the family and grandkids to sing kids songs, rhymes, fingerplays and more!
6. Cowboy Songs & Country Music
7. Art Songs: Renaissance & Medieval eras on guitar, recorder, flute
8. Fun with Folk Instruments: Features songs played on assorted folk instruments including the autoharp, dulcimer, spoons, assorted percussion, banjo, flutes and more.
9. Exercise with Music: Muga (yoga and music) for Seniors
10. Music of the 50's and 60's and different eras
11. Waltzes: played by a duo or trio
Assisted Living
I have extensive experience working with seniors in many capacities. Seniors enjoy an interactive-style concert; playing simple hand-held percussion instruments, singing old-time favorites, jazz, country and folk music, and learning about me and my life journey through story and song. Residents are encouraged to sing along, play on varied percussion instruments, participate in limited chair exercises, and even share their own stories and memories.
Background Music
My musical versatility allows me to present an array of musical styles and genres that can create a wonderful atmosphere to dine by, for tea-time, to relax to, and for memorials, celebrations and occasions.
Nursing Home & Memory Care
Treat residents to a concert of popular, familiar and favorite songs to trigger memory and recall. Memory loss residents also enjoy playing assorted percussion instruments to stimulate interactive participation and physical activity including chair exercises as part of the fun.
Therapeutic Music
As a trained therapeutic musician I make personal visits to residents at bedside if they are unable to attend group activities and concerts.
Music for Transition
As a trained therapeutic musician I make personal visits to residents at bedside whether it be at their home, hospital, hospice or any place of residence.
I am available to play appropriate music for funerals and memorials.
RESOURCES
5 Things Seniors Can Do To Keep Learning At Any Age
** This article by Julie Morris, Life and Career Coach; [email protected]; juliemorris.org
Getting older is a fact of life, but that doesn’t mean you need to be complacent. In fact, staying active will improve both your physical and mental health. If you feel positive and happy, you’re less likely to succumb to ailments that can lead to more serious illness. There are several benefits that come from engaging in a new activity — or revisiting an old one.
Benefits Of Seniors Learning A New Hobby
Activities To Consider
1. Learn To Play A Musical Instrument: Learning to play (or even just listening to) music has endless benefits for people of all ages, but offers unique perks to seniors. According to MySeniorHealthPlan.com, these include improvements in memory and cognitive function, social life, physical dexterity, and senses. Many senior centers offer music lessons to their members either in group or individual settings, or you can work with a private tutor or even teach yourself how to play via online lessons. No matter which avenue you take, it’s never been easier to learn!
2. Brush Up On Technology: One of the biggest struggles for a senior is keeping up with technological advancements. Instead of feeling like you’re behind, consider taking a course to learn everything from basic web browsing to writing code for web design. Understanding how smartphones, smart TVs, computers and tablets function is also beneficial. While there are several online courses geared toward tech, it’s best to start with learning some computer basics so you don’t become frustrated. There are numerous fun and interactive options created with seniors in mind.
3. Stay Active With A New Sport: Studies found that simply 45 minutes of exercise three times a week can increase the volume of the brain, thus improving cognitive skills. Activity is also a natural mood-booster, so it’s very effective in beating depression. Make exercise a social activity by joining a walking club or gym that has members your own age. Many communities also host exercise-related activities for their residents that are free or low cost.
Yoga is an excellent option because it reduces anxiety, protects the joints, improves balance, and strengthens the bones. Depending on your age, there are specific moves that can benefit conditions you may be experiencing. If you suffer from arthritis, swimming is a great way to stay in shape, improve your posture, gain muscle tone and improve your flexibility without stressing your joints.
4. Join A Book Club: Studies indicated that daily reading can greatly improve cognitive function in seniors aged 70-plus. While reading solo counts, joining a book club adds a social aspect to an activity that is otherwise solitary. Discussing the books with peers gives you motivation to continue reading.
5. Play Games and Puzzles: Whether it’s an old-fashioned board game or the crossword puzzle in the newspaper, games and puzzles are among the activities that can improve your memory and prevent dementia. Daily participation can also boost your decision-making abilities and creativity. Tests have shown that even video games can have a beneficial effect on the brain.
While you may have a comfort zone, mix up your activities from time to time. You’ll learn new skills and gain a new sense of confidence. You may even be able to teach your peers a thing or two.
** This article by Julie Morris, Life and Career Coach; [email protected]; juliemorris.org
Getting older is a fact of life, but that doesn’t mean you need to be complacent. In fact, staying active will improve both your physical and mental health. If you feel positive and happy, you’re less likely to succumb to ailments that can lead to more serious illness. There are several benefits that come from engaging in a new activity — or revisiting an old one.
Benefits Of Seniors Learning A New Hobby
- Keeps Your Brain Sharp: Research indicates that learning a new skill can improve memory and possibly prevent symptoms of dementia by strengthening the connections in certain areas of your brain.
- Helps Beat Depression: Between deaths of loved ones, impaired mobility and retirement, older adults tend to lose social contacts, which can make them feel isolated and depressed. Statistics show that social isolation has been connected to various illnesses, such as depression, impaired mobility, arthritis, and chronic lung and breathing diseases. Feelings of loneliness are also linked to cognitive decline. By becoming more socially active — joining a club, for example — while doing an activity that gives you a sense of purpose, you can overcome feelings of loneliness.
- Aids In Addiction Recovery: Drug and alcohol addiction can happen at any age, but bouncing back can be a bit more difficult as a senior. Along with the feelings of guilt and shame from the addiction, there are feelings of depression that come with age. One of the hardest parts of being in recovery is feeling like you’re alone, or feeling uncomfortable around others while you’re in a fragile emotional state. Many hobbies have a social component that’s helpful in building self-confidence and overcoming addiction.
Activities To Consider
1. Learn To Play A Musical Instrument: Learning to play (or even just listening to) music has endless benefits for people of all ages, but offers unique perks to seniors. According to MySeniorHealthPlan.com, these include improvements in memory and cognitive function, social life, physical dexterity, and senses. Many senior centers offer music lessons to their members either in group or individual settings, or you can work with a private tutor or even teach yourself how to play via online lessons. No matter which avenue you take, it’s never been easier to learn!
2. Brush Up On Technology: One of the biggest struggles for a senior is keeping up with technological advancements. Instead of feeling like you’re behind, consider taking a course to learn everything from basic web browsing to writing code for web design. Understanding how smartphones, smart TVs, computers and tablets function is also beneficial. While there are several online courses geared toward tech, it’s best to start with learning some computer basics so you don’t become frustrated. There are numerous fun and interactive options created with seniors in mind.
3. Stay Active With A New Sport: Studies found that simply 45 minutes of exercise three times a week can increase the volume of the brain, thus improving cognitive skills. Activity is also a natural mood-booster, so it’s very effective in beating depression. Make exercise a social activity by joining a walking club or gym that has members your own age. Many communities also host exercise-related activities for their residents that are free or low cost.
Yoga is an excellent option because it reduces anxiety, protects the joints, improves balance, and strengthens the bones. Depending on your age, there are specific moves that can benefit conditions you may be experiencing. If you suffer from arthritis, swimming is a great way to stay in shape, improve your posture, gain muscle tone and improve your flexibility without stressing your joints.
4. Join A Book Club: Studies indicated that daily reading can greatly improve cognitive function in seniors aged 70-plus. While reading solo counts, joining a book club adds a social aspect to an activity that is otherwise solitary. Discussing the books with peers gives you motivation to continue reading.
5. Play Games and Puzzles: Whether it’s an old-fashioned board game or the crossword puzzle in the newspaper, games and puzzles are among the activities that can improve your memory and prevent dementia. Daily participation can also boost your decision-making abilities and creativity. Tests have shown that even video games can have a beneficial effect on the brain.
While you may have a comfort zone, mix up your activities from time to time. You’ll learn new skills and gain a new sense of confidence. You may even be able to teach your peers a thing or two.
Below is a good list of resources referred to me by Caroline James of ElderAction http://elderaction.org/
A Guide to Downsizing for Seniors and Their Loved Ones
https://www.redfin.com/blog/seniors-guide-to-downsizing
Elderly Care House Design for Our Old Age
https://dengarden.com/misc/Home-Design-Ideas-for-Our-Old-Age
Budget-Friendly Smart Home Accommodations for Seniors and Individuals with Special Needs
https://homeadvisor.com/r/budget-friendly-smart-home-accommodations-for-seniors-and-individuals-with-special-needs/
Nutritional Needs for Seniors
http://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/nutritional-needs-for-seniors/
The 7 Worst Senior Exercises, and What to Do Instead
https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/worst-senior-exercises/
10 Dating Safety Tips for Senior Women
http://www.datingadvice.com/advice/10-dating-safety-tips-senior-women
Healing After a Lifetime of Struggling with Addiction: The Senior’s Guide to Reconnecting with Adult Children
https://www.adrugrehab.org/seniors-guide-reconnecting-adult-children/
The Elderly and Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse
http://www.cars-rp.org/publications/Prevention%20Tactics/PT09.02.08.pdf
Senior Wellness Guide www.drugwatch.com/health/seniors/
Doses and Interaction Resource www.drugwatch.com/drug-interactions/
Side Effects And Complications surrounding Hip Replacements in Seniors: www.drugwatch.com/hip-replacements/
6 Powerful Ways To Help Seniors Avoid Isolation
It can be difficult for seniors to maintain their social lives as they age, especially if they live alone. This is a great resource for supporting them to stay active socially.
Home Modifications Increase Senior Safety
This is a given - it’s important for our elders to make sure their homes are a safe environment.
16 Chair Exercises for Seniors & How to Get Started
This is great - it’s got exercises for people of all abilities, and even includes helpful videos.
9 Essential Mobile Device Apps for Senior Citizens
I appreciate that this explains the kinds of apps seniors should have on their mobile devices rather than listing specific apps (which may or may not stick around).
Building The Ultimate Reading Nook For Your Home: A Guide For Bookworms
My mother loves to read and hosts a monthly book club - she actually referred me to this great resource. (Actually, it’s been a great way for her and my dad to avoid feelings of isolation!)
6 Powerful Ways To Help Seniors Avoid Isolation
It can be difficult for seniors to maintain their social lives as they age, especially if they live alone. This is a great resource for supporting them to stay active socially.
Home Modifications Increase Senior Safety
This is a given - it’s important for our elders to make sure their homes are a safe environment.
16 Chair Exercises for Seniors & How to Get Started
This is great - it’s got exercises for people of all abilities, and even includes helpful videos.
9 Essential Mobile Device Apps for Senior Citizens
I appreciate that this explains the kinds of apps seniors should have on their mobile devices rather than listing specific apps (which may or may not stick around).
Building The Ultimate Reading Nook For Your Home: A Guide For Bookworms
My mother loves to read and hosts a monthly book club - she actually referred me to this great resource. (Actually, it’s been a great way for her and my dad to avoid feelings of isolation!)
A Guide to Downsizing for Seniors and Their Loved Ones
https://www.redfin.com/blog/seniors-guide-to-downsizing
Elderly Care House Design for Our Old Age
https://dengarden.com/misc/Home-Design-Ideas-for-Our-Old-Age
Budget-Friendly Smart Home Accommodations for Seniors and Individuals with Special Needs
https://homeadvisor.com/r/budget-friendly-smart-home-accommodations-for-seniors-and-individuals-with-special-needs/
Nutritional Needs for Seniors
http://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/nutritional-needs-for-seniors/
The 7 Worst Senior Exercises, and What to Do Instead
https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/worst-senior-exercises/
10 Dating Safety Tips for Senior Women
http://www.datingadvice.com/advice/10-dating-safety-tips-senior-women
Healing After a Lifetime of Struggling with Addiction: The Senior’s Guide to Reconnecting with Adult Children
https://www.adrugrehab.org/seniors-guide-reconnecting-adult-children/
The Elderly and Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse
http://www.cars-rp.org/publications/Prevention%20Tactics/PT09.02.08.pdf
Senior Wellness Guide www.drugwatch.com/health/seniors/
Doses and Interaction Resource www.drugwatch.com/drug-interactions/
Side Effects And Complications surrounding Hip Replacements in Seniors: www.drugwatch.com/hip-replacements/
6 Powerful Ways To Help Seniors Avoid Isolation
It can be difficult for seniors to maintain their social lives as they age, especially if they live alone. This is a great resource for supporting them to stay active socially.
Home Modifications Increase Senior Safety
This is a given - it’s important for our elders to make sure their homes are a safe environment.
16 Chair Exercises for Seniors & How to Get Started
This is great - it’s got exercises for people of all abilities, and even includes helpful videos.
9 Essential Mobile Device Apps for Senior Citizens
I appreciate that this explains the kinds of apps seniors should have on their mobile devices rather than listing specific apps (which may or may not stick around).
Building The Ultimate Reading Nook For Your Home: A Guide For Bookworms
My mother loves to read and hosts a monthly book club - she actually referred me to this great resource. (Actually, it’s been a great way for her and my dad to avoid feelings of isolation!)
6 Powerful Ways To Help Seniors Avoid Isolation
It can be difficult for seniors to maintain their social lives as they age, especially if they live alone. This is a great resource for supporting them to stay active socially.
Home Modifications Increase Senior Safety
This is a given - it’s important for our elders to make sure their homes are a safe environment.
16 Chair Exercises for Seniors & How to Get Started
This is great - it’s got exercises for people of all abilities, and even includes helpful videos.
9 Essential Mobile Device Apps for Senior Citizens
I appreciate that this explains the kinds of apps seniors should have on their mobile devices rather than listing specific apps (which may or may not stick around).
Building The Ultimate Reading Nook For Your Home: A Guide For Bookworms
My mother loves to read and hosts a monthly book club - she actually referred me to this great resource. (Actually, it’s been a great way for her and my dad to avoid feelings of isolation!)