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“Music is medicine for the soul.” -Plato
Music is one of the very few things that can pick us up from the lowest of lows and transport us to a place of happiness and familiar comfort. We often associate songs with the lives we were living at the time we first heard them, so upon hearing them again, it takes us right back. And there’s nothing quite like a trip down memory lane.
In the video below, we take a look at an elderly gentleman who has been in the nursing home for 10 years. He’s been having seizures and otherwise keeps to himself working through bouts of depression. So caretakers come up with the idea to get out the iPods and find some of his favorite music from his era.
Henry was always singing and dancing his way through life as a younger man, and that’s how his daughter remembers him best. It’s been a while, but when he hears his music again, he lights up like a Christmas tree! It works better than any therapy, and it’s fast and free. He immediately starts rocking back-and-forth and singing… He’s full of life once again!
When they take the headphones off to ask him some questions, the effect of the music carries over with him into their conversation. Henry is normally almost mute and has the hardest time even answering “yes” or “no” questions, but it’s like he’s a new person… Or the previous version of himself, rather!
When asked about his music and favorite artists, he’s able to answer right away with the utmost enthusiasm, “Cab Calloway!” Cab Calloway was a singer/songwriter from the swing era who was associated with the Cotton Club in Harlem. When asked for his favorite song by Cab, Henry busts out singing it! His singing voice is still good, and he even sounds much younger as if he were instantly healed by the power of music.
“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” -Billy Joel
Watch the video below:
