Drumming with Seniors

Tomorrow will be the last of a five-week drumming experience with seniors, most from the Memory Unit in a local retirement community, and representing various stages of memory loss. We've had a good time meeting for an hour Wednesday mornings in a large commons room. There has been some singing, and a little dancing. Some songs were picked to fit the season, e.g. "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" for opening day. It's always nice to work in a 6/8 or 3/4 tune. "Daisy, Daisy" worked well, too. But we did a march, as well, with the local university "Fight Song." Drums and hand percussion were traded around so people could try out different things. I never take in all the same instruments each time; roughly 20% are new ones to provide ongoing variety.

Members of the gerontology research institute at the local university have dropped by to see what we're up to. The nursing and care-giving staff, an occasional family member, and some volunteers have also joined us. I've been invited to extend this activity into future weeks over in the Memory Unit itself, just for the dozen or so residents, so we'll try this out starting some time in May. The benefits of these rhythm sessions seem to be many and varied, depending on the person. They are mostly reported to me by staff after the event. I'm just happy to be making a difference in the lives of some wonderful people.