Movies and television shows create great memories for everyone. They tell us well written stories and they are acted out by actors and actresses before our very eyes. While movies and television shows can create memories of unforgettable scenes, we create memories for ourselves by enjoying them with others. The same aspect can be found in other other forms of entertainment like live theater and music. When presented with the right kind of entertainment, seniors in Alzheimer’s care start to feel better and show positive signs of memory and reminiscence.
When seniors with Alzheimer’s (or any other kind of memory issues) watches their favorite movies and shows or listen to their favorite music, it can bring up positive memories and good feelings of the past. Which is why it is an encouraging practice for caretakers and communities to let seniors watch their favorite movies or listen to their favorite music as often as they can.
Helping Seniors in Alzheimer’s Care Through Entertainment
Growing up, most of us have had a favorite television show or a movie to watch or a favorite form of music to listen to. We watched or listened to them when we were feeling down, feeling a need to be entertained, or wanted enjoy them with the people that we love. Because of that, we often associate them with positive parts of our lives.
TV, Movies, and Memory Care
For seniors with Alzheimer’s, this connection between the memories of their past and their favorite forms of entertainment still remains, even when their memory issues are still actively present. Because that connection is still strong, it can help them regain other memories and increase their brain activity.
Finding the right kind of TV shows and movies for seniors with Alzheimer’s (and other memory issues) shouldn’t be hard to find. Think of the following when looking for a TV show or a movie to bond over with a friend or family member that is undergoing memory care or other issues.
- The movie should be positive, uplifting, and fun.
- It should not be too long. Maybe around one to two hours.
- Avoid shows or movies that have any kind of graphic content (violence and/or nudity)
- The show should be easy to understand for everyone.
- If you are watching a TV series, make sure it’s easy to pick up at any time. That way it’ll be easier for people to remember where they stopped last.
If you are still having difficult finding what to watch with those in Alzheimer’s care (or any kind of assisted living care in general), consider these suggestions:
TV SHOWS.
Consider bonding over these older television shows that seniors watched while growing up.
- I love Lucy
- The Rifleman
- Green Acres
- The Beverly Hillbillies
- The Jeffersons
- Rawhide
MOVIES.
If you consider to watch movies with loved ones, here a few suggestion that you and others can watch together.
- Mary Poppins
- The Sound of Music
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
- It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
- What’s Up Doc?
Music and Its Positive Influence on those with Alzheimer’s
According to a recent study involving people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory issues, seniors were able to perform better mentally and remember past memories after reciting songs from television shows, movies, and musicals. The study concluded the following:
- Music helps bring back emotions and memories because it helps seniors develop a sense of strong mental activity and rhythm. This helps in recalling other memories associated with singing and listening to music.
- The love of music are still present in people’s minds, even when undergoing long periods of memory and mental issues.
- Music can help seniors be more emotional with others. It can especially help senior couples where one or both individuals are undergoing Alzheimer’s care or other forms of memory care.
- Singing songs that were once remembered can help seniors stimulate and exercise their brain. As a result, this helps them become more active in everyday life.
Because how effective music is when it comes to individuals undergoing Alzheimer’s care and other forms of memory care, there are many organizations that are dedicated to this cause. Organizations like the Music and Memory program reaches out to those in long term care communities in order to give them gift of music as a way of healing and giving back. Thanks to their efforts, more and more seniors are showing better signs of mental health.
Finding the right form of entertainment is crucial in helping someone who is undergoing specialized assisted living treatment like Alzheimer’s care. Everyone’s tastes in movies, television, and music are different. However, when you find the right form of entertainment, you should be able start feeling better, both mentally and emotionally.