Hobbies & InterestsMusicActive Music, Active Minds - a new initiative for older people Active Music, Active Minds - a new initiative for older people
06/11/2007
'Active Music, Active Minds' is a new programme by Live Music Now (LMN) to bring the benefits of live music to thousands of older people, including those suffering with dementia. It will also gather important evidence on the impact of live music on the elderly.
LMN is the UK’s largest charity music outreach organisation which employs the finest young musicians and then trains them to work in community settings. Participating in live music has a number of benefits for the elderly: it relieves stress, increases well being, can delay the signs of mental aging and even alleviate the symptoms of some degenerative diseases. Additionally, in a group setting, music-making can decrease anxiety, feelings of loneliness and depression and improve memory.
LMN has an interesting history. In 1977, the idea of taking live music into community venues was a complete innovation. Yehudi Menuhin was convinced of its potential - having experienced the power of music to touch the lives of people suffering during the Second World War. And research has demonstrated the therapeutic value of music for people with disabilities or illness, and those who are marginalised by society.
LMN’s pioneering efforts over the last thirty years has culminated in today's amazing outreach: around 3,000 performances and workshops each year reaching some 200,000 people in venues such as schools for children with special needs, centres for adults with physical and mental disabilities, residential homes for older people, community centres, hospices and prisons.
The three-year programme will enable LMN to take quality live music performances and interactive workshops to over 60,000 older people in care homes across the UK, and extensive data will be gathered to provide a full evaluation of the impact of live music performance on the elderly and those with dementia.
For more information call LMN on 0207 493 3443 or go to the website linked below.