Aged care’s singing duo

Kathryn Nelson and Christine Bell hope when they reach their 90s someone will visit them and sing a song or two.

The musical duo (pictured) volunteer their time – and voices – by singing for elderly people at aged care facilities in Brisbane. They celebrated the joy music can bring last week during the Making Music, Being Well campaign, which encourages people to think about the therapeutic and recreational benefits of being musically active.

“The main thing is we try to engage and entertain them to make them feel like they are participating,” Ms Nelson tells DPS News.

As a primary school music teacher, Ms Nelson sees similarities between the young and old.

“I often see that the brain works in the same way. When a child is developing, they are trying to keep the beat and stimulate their brain; this is much the same with older people,” she says.

“I sincerely believe music is therapy and music unlocks things. It brings a deep-seeded sense that music can bring something to a person.”

Ms Nelson reflects on her mother’s life, which was filled with a love for music.

“Having an aged parent, I was able to learn about the songs which motivated her and songs she could relate to,” she says.

With the goal of “going in and making residents’” lives more interesting, Ms Nelson says music is stimulation for the brain.

“Music is a way of communicating. When you sing, it’s impossible to not make someone smile. So, if you can make someone smile at the end, a bit of joy is nice,” she says.

What’s your favourite song? Share your thoughts on music therapy in aged care by commenting in the box below.