Singing, dancing and lots of fun to celebrate World Music Day

Residents living with dementia at a specialist Cheltenham nursing home enjoyed the opportunity to sing and make music to celebrate World Music Day on Monday 21 June.

The 62 residents have been planning for the annual worldwide event for weeks, making simple musical instruments and music-themed decorations.

The benefits of music for people living with dementia is well-known, with songs and familiar tunes having the ability to unlock forgotten memories, reaching parts of the brain that other forms of communication no longer can.

Wellbeing Manager, Suzanne Meadows said: “World Music Day is a huge, international festival and it seemed particularly important for us to get involved, because of the joy music can bring to people living with dementia.

“When residents come to live with us, we help them to live full and active lives; life continues even with a diagnosis of dementia.

“By getting residents involved in preparations, we provide an opportunity to support and maintain their skills, and to give focus and meaning ahead of the main event. We’ve been making musical decorations and musical shakers that requires dexterity and creativity, as well as bringing people together socially to enjoy shared activities.”

Residents sang along, tapped toes and took to the floor to Jazz standards, blues and swing favourites from the 1920s to the 1960s provided by Gloucestershire-based band, JG Jazz, before enjoying afternoon tea and music-themed cakes.