Updated on Saturday 08/10/2022
Scientific research shows that listening to a playlist of personal music can improve the lives of people living with dementia. In fact, listening to music that is personally meaningful has many psychological benefits, meaning anyone can benefit from a playlist.
I would have given anything for someone to say ‘Try this. It’s not a cure but it can help. You can still have moments of happiness and flashes of joy’.
No-one says that very often to families living with dementia.
Sally Magnusson, ‘Where Memories Go’
Founded in 2013 by the writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson, the Playlist for Life charity has a simple vision: “we want everyone with dementia to have a unique, personal playlist and everyone who loves or cares for them to know how to use it“
The Playlist for Life website has numerous of resources (in different languages!) enabling individuals and organisations to discover how to create playlists, find the right tunes and use the technology.
Download their “Getting Started” leaflet to discover the benefits of personalised playlists and how to connect through music
If you represent an organisation then do look on their website to find out how to become a Playlist for Life Help Point. Help Points are hosted by existing organisations, like churches, libraries, carers centres, charities. Playlist for Life provides free resources and training for volunteers so that host organisations can raise awareness locally and provide a helping hand to anyone wishing to create playlists for life. (ACTS is proud to be such a Help Point)