The connection between seniors and music runs deep.
That's one of the reasons why there is a music program at Simon Fraser Lodge, a free band and choir at the Prince George Chateau and another band that meets regularly at the Seniors Resource Centre downtown (see Christine Hinzmann's story on page 17).
Seniors come together from all walks of life but the thing that often connects them the quickest are the songs from their younger years. For today's retired generation, particularly the ones that grew up in rural settings, entertainment was family and friends coming together to sing and play music.
As scientists have discovered, learning to sing or play an instrument is a full-brain process, so the songs don't just live in the part of the brain associated with memory (which ties in with Hinzmann's other story on brain health programs for seniors). Doctors have seen numerous cases of individuals with Alzheimer's sufferers who can't remember their spouse and their children but still know how to play piano or flawlessly sing songs with multiple verses and chord changes.
But the best example of how seniors and music can work together in perfect harmony is the fabulous documentary Young@Heart (it's available on DVD at the public library). The Massachusetts-based choir is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with new releases on iTunes and a visit to Norway in October (check them out at www.youngatheartchorus.com).
This seniors group stays young by performing songs that are fun and interesting but also intricate and challenging. They have done covers of "I Wanna Be Sedated" by The Ramones, "One" by U2, "Road To Nowhere" by the Talking Heads, "Modern Man" by Arcade Fire and host of other unlikely past and present classics.
The documentary features a riveting performance of Coldplay's "Fix You" to show that this group doesn't just do these songs for laughs. Regardless of their age, they all believe in the power of music to reach everyone on an emotional level.
Their outdoor performance at a state prison clearly moves a captivated audience of hardened men.
Kudos to the seniors taking part in these local music programs. Don't let lack of skill get in your way. Enthusiasm and dedication are the key ingredients to making music.
