Music in the Golden Years

The Healing Power of Music

2010-03-11T23:32:00.000-05:00

The Healing Power of Music This excellent article appeared online today! Check it out!

Music Therapy Brings Comfort at End of Life

2009-12-31T21:32:00.000-05:00

THURSDAY, Dec. 31 (HealthDay News) -- Music therapy is used to help Alzheimer's patients remember and autistic children calm down. Now, a University of Alabama student is using her voice and guitar to comfort dying patients in hospice. Families gathered around the bedside of a dying loved one often request hymns, such as "Amazing Grace," while others ask for favorite classic rock songs, such as songs by the Beatles, that evoke happier moments, said Sarah Pitts, a senior majoring in music therapy. "I want to be with people when they need someone to provide them with some type of comfort," Pitts said. She recently played for an older woman who was just hours from death. Gradually, the woman's breathing began to slow. Her family gathered around to say their goodbyes. "The family later said hearing the songs she liked made things a little bit better." Music therapy is about more than playing pleasant music, said Dena Register, an associate professor of music therapy at the University of Kansas who has also worked in hospice. Instead, it's aimed at improving a patient's quality of life, using music as the medium. "We are not teaching people how to play the guitar or the piano, or singing just to entertain," Register said. "There is always a more targeted goal. In hospice care, it can be any number of things: pain management, to repair relationships or to help a patient express their wishes to family and friends." An increasing body of research is providing evidence of the power of music. A 2007 study found music therapy dramatically improved the mental and physical condition of patients receiving palliative care. In the study, some 200 patients aged 24 to 87 with chronic or advanced illnesses, such as cancer, pain disorders, AIDS and sickle cell disease, received music therapy sessions, in which they were able to choose the type of music they wanted to hear played on a keyboard. Physical and psychological tests done before and after the sessions found that music therapy decreased patient anxiety, pain and shortness of breath. More than 80 percent of the patients said the music improved their mood, as well as that of their family members, according to the study by researchers at the Cleveland Music School Settlement. Pitts was motivated to reach out to patients at Hospice of West Alabama after her brother learned he was facing a potentially fatal heart defect and needed immediate surgery. "While I was in that waiting room, I felt like I needed somebody there to play a song," Pitts said. "It's simple but it could be a huge thing for a family dealing with this type of death or a trauma." Her mentor, Andrea Cevasco, an assistant professor of music at the University of Alabama, was impressed with Pitts' willingness to tackle such a challenging and potentially emotionally wrought assignment. "As an undergrad myself, I never pictured myself doing any kind of hospice work," Cevasco said. "Personally, I wasn't ready to deal with death and dying as an 18- to 22-year-old." Music therapy can be used in many settings and for all age groups, from premature babies to children with disabilities to seniors with dementia. Certified music therapists, who have training in music, psychology, physiology and other disciplines, are called on to help with a wide range of physical, emotional and social issues. Music therapists are often versed in music from many genres to match the preferences of patients, Register said. Children with cerebral palsy, for example, might play the drums to encourage them to stretch and use muscles in a way that might seem painful during physical therapy, Cevasco said. Singing can be used with special education students to help them learn to vocalize sounds properly or to teach social skills such as taking turns. For dementia patients, music from their earlier years may be used to help orient them in time and evoke pleasant memories, Pitts said. "Music therapy can be fun and take away the monotony of whatever it is we are trying to accomplish," Pitts said. "Music provides a certain emotional and even a physical response. For people in hospice, it can give them a moment to come together as a family, to remember a wonderful time and to have one positive thing come out of that person dying."

7 tips for using music with Alzheimer's Patients

2009-11-16T21:28:00.004-05:00

1. Determine what decade (approximately) would have been their "courting years." I usually define this as the time they were 15-25 years old and were dating, falling in love, getting married and so forth. 2. Go to Google or any search engine, or any university music library and find some of the popular music for that particular decade. For example of I Google "top 40 hits of the 1930's" I get things like "Over the Rainbow," "Begin the Beguine," "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and lots more. I get not only the names, but links to those on iTunes, Rhapsody and other sites. I also have a whole CD of this music on my website. 3. Once you have found the music for your patient or loved one, you play it for them during a quiet time during the early part of the day...before or immediately after lunch are very good times. 4. If possible, play the music for them live on a piano, guitar, autoharp or other such instrument. Live music is always more powerful than recorded. If not possible, a CD or MP3 is also good. 5. Begin to interact with the patient as you listen. sitting across from them, taking their hands, making eye contact and singing along to the music is very beneficial. 6. If possible, get the patient up out of chair or bed and move to the music with them. You don't have to formally dance, but get them walking or stepping to the rhythms of the music. 7. Finally, repeat these same 5 or 6 familiar songs with them several times a day for at least a week. The next week you can take a different 5 or 6 songs. You will begin to see the benefits almost immediately. Our study showed that patients who had an individualized 30-minute music session each day: *slept better *ate better * were more sociable during the day * were less combative during the day and *required less sleeping or calming medications Is it worth the trouble? Absolutely! I have seen Alzheimer's patients literally "come to life again" during their music session. Give it a try and let me know if I can help you in any way.

Dr. Cash plays for Seniors at Eden Terrace!

2009-10-06T18:48:00.004-04:00

This little video was make a few years ago when I was visiting my mother at Eden Terrace in Spartanburg. You'll see me at the piano and my mother is one who is singing beautifully! We all enjoyed singing spirituals so much that day and especially "Swing Low Sweet Chariot," I love to speak at Assisted Living Centers and Retirement homes and have several different programs I can do for seniors! Check it out at www.HealingMusicEnterprises.com/speaker.html.

Jazz musician claims that music has kept him young!

2009-08-10T08:27:00.001-04:00

Most people, in their lifetime, have a career that lasts for 20 or 30 years. Few are blessed to do the same thing they love for their whole life. Eddie Milburn, 81, of Lakeland is one of the lucky ones. He has been playing music for more than 70 of those 81 years. Because of his love of music and constant drive to practice music every day and play in different musical groups around Polk County, Milburn is my "Ageless Aging" feature for August. Through "Ageless Aging," I profile, both in print and on video, outstanding senior citizens in our area. Milburn was born in Greensburg, Pa., on Aug. 3, 1928. While he was in fifth grade, proprietors of the local music store visited his school to start the school band. "Someone played the clarinet, and I said, 'I love that sound.'" Shortly after, he started playing the clarinet and saxophone. Although he studied clarinet with a teacher through college, he has never taken a saxophone lesson. "The sax I just picked up and started playing." By age 15, he was playing professionally at night. "I got a lot of gigs, but my principal wanted to throw me out of school 'cause I could never get up for morning classes," Milburn said from the music room of his Lakeland home. "Music makes me feel good, all the time." After high school, Milburn joined the U.S. Army as a member of the 24th Infantry Band in Japan. After the Army, he used his GI Bill to attend the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He graduated with a degree in clarinet and music education. After several years teaching around the country, he moved to Rochester, N.Y., to work in several businesses. Finally a music education position became available in the Rush-Hearietta, N.Y., school system, where he taught band until he retired in 1984. He moved to Lakeland in 1994 with his second wife Dorothy. He has three children by his first wife, who died in 1975. Milburn has played with some of the biggest names in music, including Mel Torme, Bob Hope, Bobby Vinton, Sammy Kaye, Billy Eckstein, Guy Lombardo and many others. Milburn was working as a musician the first weekend he lived in Lakeland when his friend Bob Boyd, who had retired to Florida ahead him, called. "He said, did you bring your instruments with you? Of course I brought my instruments with me," Milburn told him. "He said be at the so-and-so hotel in Kissimmee this Friday and Saturday night. So I had an immediate connection and started playing down here." At 81, he has started to slow down and not travel as much for musical gigs. He stills plays regularly with the Lakeland Jazz Orchestra, the Polk State College Over 55 Show Band and the Bartow Community Band. He also spent several years in the Imperial Symphony. "I just had a checkup recently with my primary doctor and heart specialist. They tell me to keep doing what I'm doing. I had open heart surgery 18 years ago . . . I'm good till 90, my doctor told me." Milburn say music helps him deal with his senior years. "It does for me what I don't want to face, and that's my own mortality. (Music) keeps me going, (and) keeps my mind going."

We love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

2009-07-24T12:20:00.003-04:00

If you have an Irish heritage and you love music, then you're going to love this short video of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! This is a beautiful Irish hymn called "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" and features not only the choir but also two flutes and a harp! What a beautiful, peaceful performance to start this week-end out with!

Impromptu concert at the Mayo Clinic

2009-05-06T23:04:00.002-04:00

This clip is priceless! This lovely couple, married for 62 years, are playing on a beautiful grand piano in the lobby of the Mayo Clinic...a wonderful example of the healing power of music. I'd love to hear your comments!

Julie Andrews celebrates her Golden Years!

2009-04-27T22:11:00.005-04:00

I'm a huge fan of Julie Andrews, always have been! Some of you may know by now, lost that magnificent voice of her ' s some years back (1997) because of a throat operation - she had been promised it would not affect her singing ability ... but it did! really really sad. she sued the medical people involved but of course, the damage was done .... no amount of compensation can make up for such an incredible loss! in recent years she appeared in a TV show, the Princess Diaries, in which she sang for the very first time (after ' 97) but in a very low octave (note), it seems the TV crew all had tears in their eyes ....

NOW CURRENTLY............

This must be a little old as she was born October 1, 1935

BJ(TYM)

It wouldn't be funny if it weren't so true...

Julie Andrews turned 69 and to commemorate her 69th birthday on

October 1, actress/vocalist, Julie Andrews made a special appearance at

Manhattan 's Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP.

One of the musical numbers she performed was

"My Favorite Things" from the legendary movie "Sound Of Music."

Here are the actual lyrics she used:

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,

Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,

Bundles of magazines tied up in string,

These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillac's and cataracts, and hearing aids and glasses,

Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,

Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,

These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,

When the knees go bad,

I simply remember my favorite things,

And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,

No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,

Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,

These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pains, confused brains, and no need for sinnin',

Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',

And we won't mention our short, shrunken frames,

When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,

When the eyes grow dim,

Then I remember the great life I've had,

And then I don't feel so bad.

Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted

over four minutes and repeated encores.

Please share Ms. Andrews' clever wit and humor with others who would appreciate it.

How many of you were singing it in your head? I know I was.....

Music in Paris: lots for us golden folks!

2009-04-10T06:15:00.003-04:00

Today is my final day in Paris and I don't have much time, but just wanted to post some of my pix from yesterday for all my friends to see. Today is Good Friday and I'm hoping to find a concert for tonight. If you have questions about any of these pix, I'll answer them when I return! Au Revoir! This magnificent harpsichord is in the apartment of my friend Skip Sempe! Isn't it gorgeous?

Can at woman play drums at age 91? See for yourself!

2009-02-14T15:43:00.002-05:00

A friend sent me this link and I thought it was pretty awesome and impressive! See what you think! I don't know about you, but this really inspires me!!

Tumpy in the news again!

2009-01-28T16:58:00.004-05:00

I got a call from my sister on Monday morning that my mother (Tumpy) was on the front page of the Spartanburg newspaper. I was shocked, not expecting her to be in the news again. I asked if there were an online version and she didn't know so I did a search and came up with this: http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090124/MULTIMEDIA03/901240289&template=slideshows. If you paste it in your brower it will come right up! (Or just click on the title of this post and it will come up! )Enjoy! Alice

Music for Emergencies

2009-01-23T13:54:00.003-05:00

Well, my mother has done it again! She loves to help other people (being a good preacher's wife!) and even though she is well into her 80's and legally blind from macular degeneration, these things don't slow her down too much! The other day at Eden Terrace, her assisted living community, she said that in a 24-hour period, they had 3 or 4 fire drills; this was when the weather was sub-freezing and windy as well. On about the 4th fire drill, the residents knew that it was probably a false alarm and so the staff said they could do into the dining room to wait instead of waiting outside. Mama said that people were tired and cold and grumbling quite a bit so she suggested some favorite songs that her choir had sung in previous programs. To that they added some patriotic favorites, some old hymns, and and college songs. After about 15-20 minutes, people were in a much better mood and not so concerned about the inconvenience that the day had brought them. Maybe YOU can do this for your friends sometime?

6 Easy Steps for Incorporating Healing Music into Your Life

2008-12-31T18:50:00.003-05:00

Step 1 Keep a collection of a variety genres of music and classify each selection according to the mood, memory and emotion they draw out from you. If you are feeling blue, upbeat rock and roll may help. If you're feeling a bit sorry for yourself, try one of those sillier golden oldies. If you are having problems sleeping, mellow Baroque music should help you drift away. Step 2 Spend a few minutes at the end of every day tuning into your emotions by playing one of your favorite instrumentals, preferably classical or acoustic guitar. Minimize outside distractions and let yourself be carried away with the melody. Close your eyes and imagine being in a place you've always wanted to visit, or a place you once visited where you'd like to return, and feel your stress dissolve. Step 3 Banish mild depression with nature sounds, the natural music of life. The soft chirping of birds, the rippling of a stream, the swoosh of the waves splashing on to the shore can help our more positive energies start flowing within us. Step 4 Stop thinking when feelings of irritation surface and start singing. There are rules to this: the song must be cheerful; the singer can be off key; and the singer can be loud. Performed with energy and passion, the singing becomes a mild physical and emotional exertion and a great way to blow off some steam. Step 5 Reduce pain after surgery, during a dental procedure, while in labor or when a headache pops into your day - all with music. There is some evidence that when used with conventional medical treatment, music therapy can also relieve nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy. Step 6 Start teaching music appreciation to children early. Research has proven infants react most to music and their mother's voice. A lullaby, sung by mom or just played from a CD, can help premature or low-weight babies thrive. Older children with autism, attention deficit disorder or various learning disorders can also be helped with music therapy activities.

article found on http://www.e-how.com/

Is there such as thing as "perfect" healing music?

2008-11-07T21:51:00.003-05:00

When I go out to speak to large groups of people, someone eventually asks me what the "perfect" healing music is. Well, unfortunately, there is no one such piece of music. When choosing healing music, you want to consider: The purpose for the music: calming, energizing, comforting? The type of music the person normally likes: classical, jazz, Big Band, oldies The situation and place the music will have: home, hospital room, car? Those are just a few of the many parameters to consider. I include here an example of a piece of music I have always loved and still find very calming, soothing, and comforting. Tell me what you think!

Diabetes and Music in the Golden Years

2008-08-01T22:29:00.005-04:00

Until tonight, I was not aware that music could have any effect on the illness of diabetes. After all, diabetes is a disorder that affects the way your body uses food for energy. Normally, the sugar you take in is digested and broken down to a simple sugar, known as glucose. Music healing interventions can be designed promote wellness; manage stress; alleviate pain; express feelings; enhance memory; improve communication; promote physical rehabilitation. Combining music and science to promote healing is really at the heart of how music healing works. Now, it seems that medical research has been conducted about music and guided imagery and several people have created CD and MP3's specifically for diabetes!

If diabetes affects you or your loved ones, just put "Music and diabetes" into the Google search engine on this page, an you'll find all kinds of interesting leads!

Dancing in the Golden Years

2008-07-08T08:56:00.004-04:00

What is one of the most fun and most beneficial things that golden agers can do?? Take up dancing! Not only is dancing great exercise, learning the steps and coordinating mind and body is great for a trip to the Fountain of Youth. Then, there's the benefit of getting on the dance floor with someone you really care about and remembering those beautiful songs while waltzing around the floor in his or her arms. What fun! Get out there and dance!

Healing Music in the Golden Years

2008-06-02T17:51:00.005-04:00

Noted neurologist Oliver Sacks has found common ground with the pastor of Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church: Both men believe in the healing power of music. Sacks, the best-selling author of "Awakenings" and "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat," was to share the church stage Saturday with the famed gospel choir as part of the inaugural World Science Festival, a five-day celebration of science taking place in New York this week. "It should be an exciting and unusual event," Sacks said in an interview this week. "I will talk about the therapeutic and beneficent power of music as a physician, and then their wonderful choir will perform. ... And the audience will make what they can of it." "Even with advanced dementia, when powers of memory and language are lost, people will respond to music," he said. But the central role of music in church makes Abyssinian a good place to discuss the myriad ways that music affects the human brain, said Sacks, who was played by Robin Williams in the movie version of "Awakenings." Abyssinian's pastor, the Rev. Calvin O. Butts III, said the choir is looking forward to performing with Sacks. He noted that music plays a central role in the healing power of prayer. "What we have been studying ... is that when you pray, there's actually a physiological change in the body," he said. "Music is very much a part of this. There are certain notes that generate in the human body a kind of peacefulness."

Let's Celebrate Nurses!

2008-05-07T22:12:00.004-04:00

As we move into the "golden years" we seem to see more and more of the nursing profession. Nurses are the ones that often offer us a dose of love along with taking our temperature and blood pressure. Nurses often have to do the less pleasant tasks and they do it with love and care, making each person feel important and valuable. Recently, the Kentucky Holistic Nurses Association asked me to speak to their chapter meeting and the upcoming convention on May 12 at Indiana University Southeast. I will be leading groups in toning, chanting and drumming. Do join us if you can!

Celebrate National Nurses Week, May 6th through 12th! Visit www.healthecareers.com/nursing to find out more information about this appreciation week and special giveaways. In this edition of the Healthcare Job Market eNewsletter, you will find interesting articles on: Advice for Healthcare New Grads – If you have recently graduated, or are preparing to graduate, read some helpful tips on how to look for a job and do well in years to come. Florence Nightingale – National Nurses Week is dedicated to Florence Nightingale, known as the founder of modern nursing. She established nursing as a respected profession, trained a generation of nurses, and emphasized the importance of proper hygiene and personalized care. Nursing’s OTJ Hazards – Nursing has its hazards, especially in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and clinics, where nurses may care for individuals with infectious diseases. But these risks carry a wide range and can include biological, chemical, ergonomic, physical, safety, and psychological dangers.

Why Does Music Have so Much Power in the Golden Years?

2008-04-11T13:22:00.003-04:00

Speaking as an almost 60 y.o., I am increasingly aware on a daily basis that music makes me happy and encouraged when I'm feeling down, it calms me when I'm feeling anxious and it brings back loads of happy memories when life seems dull and uninteresting! Why? Well, obviously a lot of it has to do with brain chemistry, memory function and the power of association! Just think back for a minute:

do you remember your first kiss?
your first school dance?
your first real love?
your first child?

All of these famous firsts usually have music associated with them. Songs I remember from that part of my life include:

"And they called it puppy love"
"Cupid"
"Sealed with a kiss"
"Can't help falling in love with you"

All I have to do is remember the tune and I'm zapped back to the sixties and all the memories I can squeeze into a few hours! The older we get, the more memories of people, places, events, movies, vacations, etc, etc. Keep track of the soundtrack to YOUR life and enjoy it often!

Celtic Woman Comes to Louisville!

2008-04-02T00:03:00.005-04:00

Tonight I went to the most fantastic concert! I've been seeing the advertisement on TV for several months. When I heard that the group was coming back to Louisville this year I knew I had to go. I waited until almost a week ago and when I checked the ticket prices I gasped…they were $88 and $102.00 I will tell you that tonight I was able to get a better price than that and even though I was up in balcony 4 I could see very well. The energy and beauty of this program was unmatched by any concert show I’ve ever been to and you know that I’ve been to a lot. The young woman that dances around with her violin, playing all the while, is simply amazing! I’m thinking seriously of going back again tomorrow night. At the end of the concert tonight they actually did 4 encores!!! Each one was better than the one before. If you have a chance to see this brilliant group of singer and instrumentalists, do NOT miss it!!

New Research on Music with Stroke patients

2008-02-21T23:06:00.004-05:00

Demonstration of activity in separate auditory regions for processing phonetic information (red), speech intelligibility (yellow), and voice pitch and intonation (white). a, left hemisphere. b, right hemisphere.

__________________________________________

This week a very important study of the benefits of music with stroke patients. The study reports the findings of a Finnish study published Wednesday that showed the benefits of music for stroke victims. “Patients who listened to a few hours of music each day soon after a stroke also improved their verbal memory and were in a better mood compared to patients who did not listen to music or used audio books, the researchers said. Music therapy has long been used in a range of treatments but the study published in the journal Brain is the first to show the effect in people, they added. … The study involved 60 people who recently had a stroke of the middle cerebral artery in the left or right side of the brain. This is the most common stroke and can affect motor control, speech and a range of other cognitive functions. One group listened to their favorite music every day or used audio books while another did not listen to any music. All volunteers received standard rehabilitation treatment. Three months after stroke music listeners showed a 60 percent improvement in verbal memory compared to an 18 percent benefit for those using audio books and 29 percent for people who did not listen to either.”

Please share this information with friends and family. It can make a big difference in recovery and quality of life!

Classical Music Helps People to Sell

2008-01-30T18:55:00.000-05:00

Speaking as a long-time consumer, I've noticed that the music that advertisers on TV use to sell, dramatically influences my willingness even to consider their product. Have you noticed this?

For example, several years ago, a variety of products were using classical music, specifically the Pachelbel Canon in D to seel everything from luxury cars to fine wine to hospital services. What do these things have in common? Well, first thing that pops into my head is that these are all things that cost a lot of money. Fo whatever reason, classical music in our Western world is considered with "the finer things in life." Can you imagine selling gutters or tires or lawyers services with a beautiful classical piece? Of course not!

Interestingly though, there are other classical pieces that might sell:

Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" makes us feel uplifted
Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" creates a "man on a mission" feel
Khachaturian's "Sabre Dance" brings on a frenzied feeling
Copland's arrangement of "The Gift to be Simple" brings on a dependable and virtuous image.

Just notice this when you're watching a commercial. Let me know if you hear some more good ones! Happy shopping!

Merry Christmas from Washington, D.C.

2007-12-25T11:01:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from D.C. where I'm spending the holidays with my middle daughter and son-in-law. We had a fun time this morning opening presents and eating delicious Christmas goodies and drinking coffee and hot chocolate with marshmallows. Yum!! We've been listening to Christmas music for the past 24 hours and all are really in the Christmas spirit!! Hope you're having a wonderful Christmas Day too!

Christmas Comes to Eden Terrace

2007-12-06T22:27:00.000-05:00

Well folks, we're back in Spartanburg for my mother's 82nd birthday and it also was the night of the big Christmas party at EdenTerrace. Tumpy (my mother) had pulled together a choir of her peers. She's never conducted a choir before but did a nice job I thought. Music is powerful! Music is healing! Enjoy this performance!

My Thanksgiving Healing Music Special for you

2007-11-26T16:50:00.000-05:00

Hope you've had a fantastic Thanksgiving Holiday and enjoyed singing all of your favorite Thanksgiving songs like:

Come Ye Thankful People Come
Over the River and Through the Woods
We Gather Together
Now Thank We all Our God

For me, singing is as important at Thanksgiving as eating, and a lot healthier! Because I have four fantastic new products that I want you to enjoy and benefit from, I am offering them to you at a huge discount...would you believe 50%??!! Please don't miss this opportunity...it will be gone in another day!

Click HERE to get the fantastic cornucopia of music healing programs and products!

Fun Music Activities with Golden Agers

2007-11-06T14:53:00.000-05:00

With the graying of the babyboomers, assisted living ommunities are booming, along with adult daycare centers, and nursing homes. These places have come a along way from when I was a child in the 50's, visiting great-aunts and grandmothers who needed more care. The place where my mother is in S.C. is a beautiful facility with lots of fun, stimulating activities and lots of music.

One of my favorite games to place with folks in their golden years (60-99) is a song title completion game. Some of the favorites are: 1. In the good old....

Let me call you ....
In my merry....
We were sailing along....
Nothing could be finer than....
When the red, red, robin comes....
Tip-toe through the ....
Ain't she ....
You must have been a beautiful....
Down by the ....

There are hundreds of songs that can be tapped. The key is to figure out when people were in their "courting years" and find out the popular songs of that day. Of course you can also do this with hymns, fight songs from college, nursery rhymes...most anything!

Have fun and enjoy this activity!

Singing and Dancing in the Golden Years

2007-10-11T22:13:00.000-04:00

I have loads of friends who are in their Golden Years. It makes me want to get there in a hurry because these delightful people are full of energy, enthusisam. I have a dear, dear friend with whom I have coffee every Saturday morning. She has more energy and joie de vivre than I do and I have a lot! Anyway, this dear lady knows the lyrics to thousands of songs as well as operatic arias. She lives and breathes music and every Thursday (or most Thursdays) she and her "beau" go dancing to an afternoon tea dance. She is such an inspiration to me and she firmly believes that music keeps her young! How about you??

Dr. Cash performs at Eden Terrace

2007-09-16T15:00:00.000-04:00

After my big speech at Clemson University on Thursday night, I stayed in Clemson for the Clemson football game on Saturday. Then on Saturday night I went over to Spartanburg, S.C. to visit my sister and mother. This morning we had a great time sitting around the piano and singing some old songs, including gospel songs and some Christmas carols! My mother is second from the right in the picture above. To see a video we made this morning, go to www.youtube.com/chantdoc and click on the most recent video. Enjoy and let me know what you think! Alice

Italian Opera Legend Will be Remembered

2007-09-07T23:14:00.000-04:00

The world lost a fantastic operatic tenor this week; a tenor that is probably as well-known in the U.S. as any movie star or rock star. Luciano Pavarotti, beloved Italian tenor and one of the famous "Three Tenors" died at his home in Modena, Italy of pancreatic cancer. According to

Forbes.com, "The 71-year-old was considered one of the greatest voices of his generation, and achieved success well beyond the ranks of classical music enthusiasts. He won first prize in a competition in 1961 and was rewarded with the role of Rodolphe in Puccini's 'La Boheme' in nearby Reggio Emilia. Despite his success, he never fully learned to read music, preferring to memorise his roles. In 1996 he left his wife Adua after 35 years of marriage and three grown-up daughters for his secretary Nicoletta Mantovani, whom he married in 2003, they had one child. The singer's weight caused him increasing health problems in his later years, and he also ran into trouble with the Italian tax authorities, with whom he reportedly reached a settlement for the payment of arrears amounting to millions of euros. At the time of his death he had been suffering from ill-health, having undergone surgery for pancreatic cancer in July 2006 followed by chemotherapy, and a series of farewell concerts had been postponed."

Music from Golden Years talks of the Sea

2007-08-27T23:01:00.000-04:00

I've been listening recently to my CD, Music for Memory Care. On this CD I am playing instrumental versions of some of the most popular songs from the 1900-1940's. I was struck by how many of these songs talk about the sea: Moonlight Bay, By the Sea, by the sea by the beautiful sea, and lots more that I didn't record on this CD but intend to on the next!

As someone who also loves the ocean, the beach, and palm trees of any type, I think I'll start choosing my next CD's content based on this theme! What do you think?

Benefits of Music in the Golden Years

2007-07-19T00:05:00.000-04:00

If you're here reading my blog then there's a good chance that either you're in your Golden Years or you have Golden Years friends. At the risk of making some rather broad generalizations, let me say that golden agers tend to have a little more leisure time. Another generalization might be that their health isn't quite as robust as it was in previous decades. Are you still with me? OK. Another supposition might be that with more leisure time and less physical stamina and energy, golden agers are looking for fun, every-changing, and free or affordable activities on a regular basis. Music can fill the bill every time. Even thought I'm "only" 59 I have noticed myself reminiscing far more than ever before. Music is always one of the triggers for my trips down memory lane.

My dearest friend is a woman who is 79! We are a generation apart and yet we know and love much of the same music. She has taught me tunes and I have taught her things about music. The point is, the musical repertoire is so vast, we could all probably sing 100 different songs every day for the rest of our lives and not repeat one!

So what are the benefits? When we sing songs we love, we breathe deeply and our blood becomes more oxygenated. Our brains get sharper and we feel better. Endorphins and serotonin floods our bodies and we eat better, sleep better and get along with our friends better.

My friend goes dancing with her 85 y.o. "beau" every Thursday and thoroughly enjoys it. I believe that this is happily extending the life of each of them. Soooo, are YOU listening to lots of music each day? Are you singing and dancing your way through your golden years? I sure intend to!

Thoughts of My Father on Father's Day

2007-06-16T22:17:00.000-04:00

I loved my Father dearly. I'm sure I was a classic "Daddy's Girl" because growing up, I wanted to be just like Daddy. My father loved music and was always extremely proud of my musical ability. He often would lie on the couch on Sunday afternoons and listen to me play the piano for hours on end. He used to say that the could "just float right up to Heaven" listening to me play the piano.

On this Father's Day I'd like to offer you a very special opportunity to get your father, grandfather, husband or brother a great package of healing music and healing music products. These are downloads that require no musical background or knowledge of music. Just put them on or download them, lean back and enjoy!

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Is Alice approaching her Golden Years?

2007-05-23T21:35:00.000-04:00

Is Alice approaching her Golden Years? Well, what are the Golden Years anyway? I'm sure many people would define them in different ways and at different age ranges. Traditionally I think many of his think of retired folks with grandchildren, gray hair, and rocking chairs as the "golden years crowd" but as I approach the beginning of my seventh decade, I find myself increasingly looking forward to that time in my life. I do look forward to having grandchildren all around me and sitting in my rocker with music all around. I look forward to teaching my grandchildren all of my favorite songs and teaching them to play the piano if they want. This to me, is what my Golden Years will be about. What about you?

Is music part of the fountain of youth?

2007-04-25T16:37:00.000-04:00

Recently I started doing a music healing group that meets every Saturday for two hours. The group is free so there has been a flood of interested folks. One of the things that I have noticed both in my new group and in concert audience populations at large is that people of all ages love music and an participate in musicmaking their entire lives. Years ago it was pointed out to me that orchestra conductors frequently live into their 80's and 90's and many conert pianists were concertizing well into their 80's. I heard Artur Rubenstein play a fabulous concert in Italy back in 174 when he was 88 andit was as beautiful a recital--and grueling-as I've ever heard.

Personally I choose to believe that staying active in music-making and music listening will keep you yong for your entire life! It's worth a try isn't it?

An exciting evening in Carnegie Hall

2007-04-03T23:36:00.000-04:00

Right now I'm in New York City to attend my sister's concert at Carnegie Hall tonight. Earlier today my sister and I walked over to Carnegie Hall to see if we could see some publicity about the concert with her picture and name. We did find it and we were so excited!

Later tonight we attended the conert and it was one of the highlights of my life to date. She was conducting her orchestra and they played Vaugh-Williams, Bartok, and another lesser-known composer. Wish you all could have been there!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

2007-03-17T18:34:00.000-04:00

When I was first introduced to the "Riverdance" production, I fell in love with it immediately. As a matter of fact I went to see it/hear it for a fourth time in about a decade the other night, and loved it as much as ever. But the folk music of every country is extremely emotional and moving I think. Many of the famous classical composers used entire folk melodies in their symphonies, quartets and even operas. St. Patrick's Day is associated with loads of beautiful folk music and folks in the Golden Years seem to be very familiar with this repertoire for some reason. Maybe some of the people in the Big Bands introduced "an Irish Lullaby" and "I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen?" I'm not sure but it is beautiful music. Enjoy! And enjoy my gift to you! http://www.healingmusicenterprises.com/listmailings/StPatricksDay.htm

Music in the Golden Years, Vegas Style

2007-03-03T15:28:00.000-05:00

Well, here I am in gaudy Las Vegas, surrounded by flashing lights and blinging slot machines. I really don't care for Las Vegas but there's a family wedding and I must make the best of it.

One thing I am enjoying is staying at the MGM Grand Hotel and seeing all the old photographs of movie stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Right beside my bed is a huge sultry photographe of a movie star and across from me is Clark Gable with some blond beauty. Of course music is brought to mind with all these photos but the walls are strangely silent, muted so everyone can hear the siren call of the slot machines. Too bad. I prefer Hollywood!

Let Me Call You Sweetheart

2007-02-06T22:32:00.000-05:00

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I've been thinking about the classic love songs from the 20's, 30's, and 40's. There are so many beautiful songs that I hesitate to start naming my favorites, but the title of today's posting might give you a hint. How often do you hear the songs that you fell in love to? Are you aware of all the benefits of listening to the music of your courting years? Not only do you relax immediately and take a little min-vacation from all the stressors in your life, but you will sleep better and give your day a little boost of energy. What are your favorite love songs?

Singing the Golden Songs

2007-01-24T10:36:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, I went to the assisted living facility in South Carolina where my 81 year-old mother now resides. My mother had asked me to bring some music that her friends might enjoy and so I brought my song books, full of the songs of the 20's, 30's and 40's. We had a great time! I could almost see a musical fountain of youth flowing before my eyes. We started out with "Just a Song at Twilight" and continued on with "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby," "My Buddy" "Shanty in Old Shanty Town" and ended with a rousing rendition of "Happy Days are Here Again!" We had so much fun that all of the residents that night were imploring me to come back the next night and every night!

Singing is such an easy thing to do; you don't even need piano accompaniment but I do think it helps! Singing favorite songs lowers the blood pressure, boosts the immune system, and helps folks eat better and sleep better. You really should give it a try!! What do you think??

The Music of New Year's Eve

2006-12-31T13:52:00.000-05:00

Well, do you have big plans for tonight? There are so many traditions related to New Year's Eve and it's certainly not a big surprise. This is the classic "turning point" in everyone's year. No matterwhat religion you are or what your belief system, it's the classic time to make big behavioral changes. People decide to quit smoking, exercise more, lose weight, become more assertive...all kinds of things! For people who love music, it might be a good time to dust off an instrument, pick up a new instrument, join a choir or a band or a community orchestra. Music lifts the spirit, it infuses you with energy, it calms a racing mind, it soothes the soul. The song "Auld Lang Syne" has been played for decades, if not centuries, on New Year's Eve. Guy Lombardo popularized the familiar saxophone rendition in 1939. He first broadcast it on his radio special, The Lombardo New Year's Eve Party, which started in 1929 and is the longest-running annual program in radio history. Lombardo died in 1977, but his saxophone rendition of Auld Lang Syne has immortalized him in western culture, becoming the definitive song of the new year . The words are appropriate:

Anglicized translation: Should old acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind ?Should old acquaintance be forgot,and auld lang syne ? CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne. And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !And surely I’ll buy mine !And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,for auld lang syne. CHORUS We two have run about the hills,and pulled the daisies fine ;But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,since auld lang syne. CHORUS We two have paddled in the stream,from morning sun till dine (dinner time) ;But seas between us broad have roaredsince auld lang syne. CHORUS And there’s a hand my trusty friend !And give us a hand o’ thine !And we’ll take a right good-will draught,for auld lang syne. CHORUS

Whatever your plans, enjoy the evening and best wishes for a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!

Memories of Santa

2006-12-13T10:49:00.000-05:00

Everywhere I go, I observe people in their "golden years" with fond memories of Christmas and Santa. Even people who celebrate other religious traditions often seem to have found a way to fit Santa in. There were so many great songs in the 40's and 50's like "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and "All I Want for Christmas is MY Two Front Teeth." Last night I went to a Christmas party and sure enough, they had invited Santa. Just "for ole times sake" I decided to have my picture taken on his lap! Brings back memories, doesn't it? What do you remember?

Yesterday in Boston

2006-11-29T16:25:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was in Boston, speaking to a lovely group of people at Indian Hill Music School. During the course of the workshop, I asked people to chat among themselves about music that had been significant in their childhoods. One gentleman reported that when he was a child, his mother had bought him an LP of Saint-Saens "Carnival of the Animals" and had played it "incessantly" for him. He further stated that as an adult, he learned that his mother had bought the record with money she saved from quitting smoking! I thought it was very interesting and definitely made this gentleman even more grateful but also more understanding of why perhaps she played it incessantly! What do you think?

What is it about hymns in the Golden Years

2006-11-14T23:19:00.000-05:00

This past week-end I went home to help my mother pack and sort through 80 years of boxes, closets, cedar chests, and book cases. Is was quite a walk down memory lane, but one thing that kept us on track was singing and talking about different hymns and the memories that they bring back. I've always felt that music associated with a safe, nurturing place (like a church) and feelings of being loved and protected, creates a bond that can last a lifetime between that music and feeling those feelings. What's the message? If you're in your Golden Years now, listen to this music often. Enjoy the message and the melodies. You ARE loved!

The Power of a Drum Circle

2006-11-05T13:09:00.000-05:00

This afternoon I am going to a drum circle! The facilitator will be my dear friend Phyllis Free. I am hoping to have all ages there...from age 6 to about 76. If you've never tried taking part in a drum circle, a true joy awaits you. Everyone is playing a hand drum or a percussion instrument of some sort. We'll have rattles of all kinds, tambourines, maracas, and rain sticks; this in addition to the hand drums. The longer I am in this fantastic field of music healing, the more I believe in intergenerational healing experiences. A drum circle is definitely one! My drum circle today is totally free of charge because I want to get a good crowd in and making an instructional video to put on my website for people! Wish you could be there! If you're interested in being in a drum circle in the future, please email me or call me and we'll get you signed up! Alice

Make some lists...now!

2006-10-16T22:21:00.000-04:00

One of the things I've done to prepare for my "golden years" is to make lists of music that I want to hear if I should begin to get a little "foggy" or "forgetful." No one wants to think that might happen but I seen it happen to loved ones as well as to mothers, fathers, and older relatives of dear friends. There is so much research out there that says that the music of our "courting years" can help bring back memories of all kinds, even if the effect only lasts an hour or less. Imagine being able to have 15 minutes of lucidity in an otherwise foreign mental landscape! Money can't buy that but it seems that music can do it. So, I have lists of favorite hymns, pop songs, classical pieces, Christmas songs, etc, that I want my three daughters to play for me if the fog begins to descend. Don't you want to start making some lists right now? Alice

Can Music Keep you Young??

2006-10-06T23:50:00.000-04:00

What an excellent question! A reader sent this to me and actually many people have speculated on it through the years. I have spoken all over the world and I'd say the consensus is that actively participating in a musical endeavor, whether singing, dancing, or playing an instrument makes you feel younger and more full of life. Why? Doctors and researchers of all kinds believe that when you engage in a pleasureable activity that you love, and especially if it's aerobic, then endorphins and other "feel-good" neurohormones are released in the brain. The hormones give you a sense of well-being and make you want to do it more and more often. Music definitely falls into this category so sit down at the piano, join the choir, or dust off the fiddle or the flute. You'll be glad you did!

The Amazing Benefits of Music in the Golden Years

2006-09-28T00:48:00.000-04:00

First of all, let's define "golden years." Many would say "the time of life after retirement from active work." I'm sure there are any number of ways it could be defined but generally it's the last couple of decades when life takes on a slower pace and we are free to bask in the glow of beautiful memories! What role does music play? A big one for many people! Listening to the tunes we fell in love to, sang to our kids and grandkids makes for really great feelings; oftentimes warm, fuzzy feelings. There is considerable scientific research out there that documents the fact that music can: 1. boost your immune system 2. lower your blood pressure 3. decrease anxiety 4. decrease depression 5. improve circulation I don't know about you, but I think these are all big deals! Begin thinking now about how YOU can put music to work for you and your health. You'll be so glad you did!

Can music keep you young?

2006-09-03T18:04:00.000-04:00

You may have read about the studies that were done in senior residences where music from the 40's and 50's was played during the day, in addition to the decor being changed to 40's and 50's era furniture and kitchen looks? This amazing study showed that the residents began to actu and think younger and actually began experiencing better health! I do believe that when you listen to the music of your courting years, things change inside of you...chemically and neurohormonally! You actually do feel better and even if part of it is just distraction, so what!! I say if it helps, and doesn't hurt, and is FREE, go for it!! What do YOU think?? Alice

Do you need a music therapist to do music therapy?

2006-08-25T20:34:00.000-04:00

You know, people ask me this all the time and the answer is no! Of course music therapists are trained professionally to administer music to people but if you can carry a tune, play an instrument of any kind or just play some CD's, tapes, or records of the oldies from a person's courting years, you can bring some musical healing. Live music is always better than recorded and most elderly are extremely non-critical and appreciate every effort to be helpful. Give it a try! Dr. Alice Cash

Music with Alzheimer's Patients

2006-08-10T23:45:00.000-04:00

The power of music to make a difference in the lives of Alzheimer’s patients is a well-documented phenomenon. It is, of course, a quality of life intervention. It is not going to stop the progression of the disease nor will it slow it down. What music does is to bring the individual an opportunity to experience pleasure and a sense of familiarity and competence when most opportunities for this are rapidly fading. It also provides an opportunity for interaction with family members and friends. Some researchers have observed people standing up from their chairs or wheelchairs and asking someone to dance when certain familiar songs are played. In the hospital where I work we routinely have the nurses and aides get people up dancing to “In the Mood,” “Pretty Baby,” “School Days” and “The Hokey-Pokey.” Oftentimes these same patients would not want to take any exercise at all or interact with another human. Familiar music is the magical intervention that gets them up smiling and moving about, no matter how slowly. We also know from researchers that the mere act of smiling causes the release of endorphins and other feel-good chemicals. For about 30 minutes after the music therapy session, the patients often eat better, are less combative and interact better with staff and fellow patients or family members. The power of music to make a difference in the lives of Alzheimer’s patients is a well-documented phenomenon. It is, of course, a quality of life intervention. It is not going to stop the progression of the disease nor will it slow it down. What music does is to bring the individual an opportunity to experience pleasure and a sense of familiarity and competence when most opportunities for this are rapidly fading. It also provides an opportunity for interaction with family members and friends. Some researchers have observed people standing up from their chairs or wheelchairs and asking someone to dance when certain familiar songs are played. In the hospital where I work we routinely have the nurses and aides get people up dancing to “In the Mood,” “Pretty Baby,” “School Days” and “The Hokey-Pokey.” Oftentimes these same patients would not want to take any exercise at all or interact with another human. Familiar music is the magical intervention that gets them up smiling and moving about, no matter how slowly. We also know from researchers that the mere act of smiling causes the release of endorphins and other feel-good chemicals. For about 30 minutes after the music therapy session, the patients often eat better, are less combative and interact better with staff and fellow patients or family members. As always, live music is preferable to recorded music, but it is easy enough just to sing one-on-one with your family member or loved one. Favorites here are “You Are My Sunshine,” “My Old Kentucky Home,” and “Amazing Grace.” As always, live music is preferable to recorded music, but it is easy enough just to sing one-on-one with your family member or loved one. Favorites here are “You Are My Sunshine,” “My Old Kentucky Home,” and “Amazing Grace.”

Music in the Golden Years

2006-08-06T21:34:00.000-04:00

Have you noticed that as we grow older we love songs from our youth more and more? Why is that? Many people have speculated on it and theorized that as people get older they begin to idealize and romanticize their youth. Not everyone of course, but it seems that most of us really love the music of our youth and childhood. It brings back memories of falling in love, being nurtured by parents and grandparents, and having carefree summer days. Am I right? What is the music that you or your grandparents love now? What are the associations for that music?