What Are Some Popular Sing-Along Songs for Seniors?
Some popular sing-along songs for seniors include “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,” “Danny Boy,” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” “Side by Side” and “You Are My Sunshine,” according to MelodicMemories.com. The producers of the site, Melodic Memory Sing-Along for Seniors, publish a series of videos and lyric sheets in the categories of classic oldies, traditional gospel and Christmas songs. Gospel songs in the series include “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Rock of Ages” and “Swing Low Sweet Chariot.”
Singing along to familiar music is fun, stimulating and soothing to seniors. Many American folk songs are engaging and have lyrics that are easy to remember from childhood. Some examples are “She’ll Be Comin’ ‘Round the Mountain,” “This Land is Your Land” and “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.”
Upbeat popular music such as big band, jazz and swing from seniors’ younger adult days is energizing, lively and entertaining for singing along. “Pennies From Heaven” by Bing Crosby, “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra and “Cheek to Cheek” by Ella Fitzgerald are popular among seniors.
According to neurologist Oliver Sacks, music is a beneficial therapy for older adults, especially those dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, because a person’s memory of music may stay intact while other memories fade. Music can awaken wonderful memories that may not otherwise be easily roused for seniors with memory loss.
