A pleasurable activity for any elder anytime!
Why personalized music?
Personalized music can bring these benefits to millions of people. It can restore, temporarily but repeatedly, the sense of self often lost through the aging process. Personalized music is no cure, but it may well be the best therapy currently available to millions suffering from various kinds of dementia and brain dysfunction. It can relieve boredom, empower choice, enable memory, and provide avenues for genuine communication with loved ones and caregivers.
* Reduce or eliminate agitation
* Restoration of identity and increased socialization
* Improved mood and behavior
How to Set Up an iPod for an Elder
Step 1: Find out what music they like.
The key to success with setting up an iPod for someone else is to learn what music they really enjoy. Sometimes it is easy to learn; other times it’s more of a trial-and-error process.
Step 2: Take advantage of the “popularity” category in iTunes.
When looking for the best songs from musicians or groups, give preference to songs that are the most popular. Start with a playlist of numerous artists, rather than one with many songs from only a small number of artists.
Step 3: Print out the list of songs.
This will help in the review process as you refine the playlist.
Step 4: Select an iPod model.
Take into account the recipient’s capabilities. They may need operational assistance.
Step 5: Keep improving the list.
Within the first few days, determine which songs are favorites and which are so-so. Remove the so-so ones and build on the successful ones. The goal is to create a playlist where every song is a song that’s loved.
Adapted from Music & Memory’s How to Create a Personalized Playlist for Your Elder at Home, available for download from musicandmemory.org.