A curated list of 25 feel-good songs spanning eight decades, to help you build a mood-boosting playlist for a loved one living with dementia or Alzheimer's.
Feel-good music can be really beneficial for a person with Alzheimer's or dementia. Here's some songs and tips to inspire you.
Low mood and depression can be a particular challenge in the winter months, but the right music has been shown to provide a quick and effective burst of happiness. Of course, musical tastes are very personal, often influenced by age and upbringing. Since people with dementia vary enormously in age, it's important to find music that's appropriate to their own particular lives and experiences. Then all you have to do is create a mood-boosting personalised playlist they'll really enjoy listening to. Don't know how to make a playlist? Don't worry, it's easier than you might think. The Unforgettable Music Player & Digital Radio, for example, comes with a free USB stick which holds up to 1000 songs – so there's room for all their favourite happy songs. It also comes with a step-by-step easy to understand guide book, explaining how to create a playlist if you've never done it before. Click here to find out more.
"Mum raves about it. She has poor eyesight due to glaucoma and cannot operate a normal CD player, so the simple functions on this brings the joy of music into her life. She loves the radio too – a new fan of radio 4." – January 09, 2019
Need inspiration?
We've selected this wide range of songs spanning more than eight decades to give you a taste of the kind of music that might work for the person you love. Why not give it a go today?
Music to uplift
These upbeat tunes from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s could bring a smile and get toes tapping.
- Wouldn't It Be Nice – The Beach Boys
- In the Summertime – Mungo Jerry
- I'm a Believer – The Monkees
- Can't Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli
- Jailhouse Rock – Elvis
- Singing in the Rain – Gene Kelly
- Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys
- I Want to Hold Your Hand – The Beatles
- September – Earth, Wind & Fire
- Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves
The golden oldies
Those aged 70 plus will love these classic hits from the 30s, 40s and 50s.
- Jumpin' Jive – Cab Calloway and his Orchestra
- Get Happy – Judy Garland
- Little Brown Jug – Glenn Miller
- You Made Me Love You – Al Jolson
- McNamara's Band – Bing Crosby
Sing a long
These five timeless songs are perfect for sing-a-longs – whatever your age. Why not join in yourself?
- Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da – The Beatles
- Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
- Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera Sera) – Doris Day
- You Are My Sunshine – Johnny Cash
- When You're Smiling – Dean Martin
Calm and uplifting
Relax and feel-good with these gorgeous tunes that will put a smile on their face… and yours too!
- (What A) Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
- Feeling Good – Nina Simone
- Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller
- Top of the World – The Carpenters
- Beyond the Sea – Bobby Darin
Tip: If you find any particular gems in the lists above, use your detective skills to delve further into the artist's catalogue. You may find many more hidden treasures.
About the author
Lifted Team · Lifted editorial
The Lifted team writes practical guidance for care providers on hiring, onboarding and sponsorship compliance.
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