Stoughton Public Library and the Senior Center are partnering to offer this free program which helps people living with dementia, and other types of physical and cognitive limitations, enhance their memories and enrich their lives through music.
Grounded in research about how brains respond to music, the program offers participants the opportunity to work with a trained volunteer to develop a personalized playlist of favorite songs. The selected music is loaded to a free mp3 music player and given to the participant on permanent loan.
Studies show that listening to one’s favorite music helps reduce depression and anxiety, and can also moderate chronic pain. Participants are happier, more social, and more receptive to care and family visits. Personalized music may also help to reduce reliance on anti-psychotic, anti-anxiety, and pain medications. See how the program benefited individuals in this 6-minute excerpt from the film, Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory on the Music & Memory’s Website: musicandmemory.org
Interested in learning more? Contact Julia Hayde at (608) 873-8585 or jhayde@ci.stoughton.wi.us if you would like to participate in or volunteer with this program.
Stoughton Area Senior Center
248 W. Main Street, Stoughton, WI 53589
(Map) • Phone (608) 873-8585 • Fax (608) 873-8162
Open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
