Monday, July 20, 2015

Silver Tunes for Golden Memories

EDITOR’S NOTE: Each week, we feature intergenerational program ideas that were tried and successful. This series is a tool to highlight various age-optimized programs and practices. The program descriptions are provided by representatives of the programs. Inclusion in this series does not imply Generations United’s endorsement or recommendation, but rather encourages ideas to inspire other programs.

This week’s cool idea is Silver Tunes for Golden Memories, a community service project where twin brothers, Daniel and Gabriel Vasquez, visit different adult day facilities, nursing homes and assisted living centers to play traditional music for older adults.

(Check our archives for parts 1-52.)

The performance includes traditional Latin songs, such as Siboney and Quizas Quizas Quizas, as well as traditional American songs, such as Frank Sinatra’s My Way.

These songs get older adults singing and dancing as they remember their youth.

It's musical therapy, stimulating elders’ minds and their memories. Some tell Daniel and Gabriel they haven't heard the song in over fifty years, and yet they still remember all the words.

They always ask the musicians to return soon, and their caretakers report that even after the performance the elders are more energized and joyful than usual.

The young musicians have visited over 50 centers with over 60 performances!

With Silver Tunes for Golden Memories, the Vasquez brothers often invite guest musicians to join them on stage.

Some concerts also include hands-on activities with older adults.

Got something cool you tried that was successful? Why not tweet your cool intergenerational ideas to #cooligideas? You can also post them to our Intergenerational Connections Facebook Group. We want to highlight innovative age-optimized programs and practices through our blog, social media and weekly e-newsletter! Share the inspiration.

No comments: