iPods Bring Life to Nursing Homes

Written by Okira Peralta. Music seems to be everywhere we go from the bar in the city to the pizza shop on the corner. It’s blasting in the club and playing softly in the background at the dentist’s office. Everyone has a favorite song from childhood or music that can be associated to significant personal events. It is also a proven fact that music can help mentally, emotionally and to some extent, physically heal people. It’s only right that due to music’s capabilities and emotional connections, music be exposed to nursing homes as much as possible.

Unfortunately, nursing home residents are particularly prone to depression, anxiety and various chronic diseases. Music is an excellent way to provide enjoyment, relaxation and relief from pain for the elderly. It’s also a chance to socialize and reminisce about their connection to the music.

Music & Memory, a Long Island based organization, believes that music triggers memories and can be used as therapy for those who suffer from illnesses like Alzheimer’s. Dan Cohen, the founder, has created a program where people can donate their iPods to be sent out to nursing homes. The nursing homes help the elderly create playlists that can help set off memory and help them connect to past experiences. Music related therapy can have a profound effect on those suffering.
Listening to music can reduce chronic pain by up to 21% and depression by up to 25%, according to a paper in the latest UK-based Journal of Advanced Nursing. Listening to relaxing music every day can lower blood pressure and keep it low. Music also has the power to improve the immune system and enhance brain function such as reading skills and mathematical abilities. It actually motivates many within the older crowd to get moving or dancing, in turn enhancing physical abilities.
According to Forbes.com, an evaluation of the program showed that residents of nursing homes who participated in Music & Memory were happier and more social.
If you have a new iPod or used iPod in good condition that you would like to donate to Music & Memory, you can place the iPod and charger cord in a small envelope or box and mail it to 160 First Street, PO Box 590, Mineola, NY 11501.