Dementia Action Week: Age Connects Torfaen

We will be bringing regular live music to people living with dementia in Torfaen and surrounding areas thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund’s ‘Awards for All’ programme.

Over the next two years, live music will take place twice a month at the Age Connects day centre in Torfaen. The specially tailored live music, for those aged 50 and over who are living with dementia, aim to improve emotional wellbeing and offer uplifting experiences that engage participants through both memory and movement.

Emma Wooten, Development Manager at Age Connects Torfaen, shared her thoughts on the transformative power of live music: “The idea is to explore whether live music resonates with our service users. Some of them are nonverbal, but as soon as the music starts, their faces light up, they clap, tap along, or even start to sing. It brings back memories – maybe it is their wedding song or a tune from a family celebration. Music evokes strong emotions and can trigger joyful or meaningful memories. It is also relaxing and gives a break from routine activities like quizzes or exercise. I think music adds a sensory dimension that helps people connect on a deeper level.”

Not only can live music unlock memories for people living with dementia, it lifts their mood and helps people to connect in ways that words sometimes can’t. It can also help to ease feelings of loneliness or anxiety and gives carers a chance to share joyful moments with their loved ones. After participating in our music live music sessions, 76% of residents reported feeling less isolated and 78% of residents felt less stressed and anxious.

Emma explains how live music benefits service users compared to recorded music: “With something like Alexa or YouTube playing in the background, distractions are common, but with a live performance they are captivated. That is rare for someone with dementia, whose attention span is often short. Whether it is slow dancing or doing the conga, the key is that the music gets them moving and engaged. Even if they don’t quite remember the session later, they leave smiling.”

Katrina Rigby, our Live Music Manager for Wales and Northern Ireland explains the importance of partnerships like the one with Age Connects Torfaen: “Our work with health and care partners plays a vital role in helping us reach more people who might not otherwise get to experience the joy of live music. Our professional musicians visit care homes, day centres and hospital wards, creating musical experiences that touch the lives of people living with dementia and their families.”

People living with dementia who engage in live music experiences often become more vocal and socially engaged. Live music offers much more than entertainment; it creates opportunities for meaningful interaction, improved emotional health, and enhanced quality of life.