A music program to help babies with early development is now benefiting older generations as well.
Kindermusik’s new Village with Seniors program is bringing moms, babies and seniors together in an interactive class that utilizes music to help newborns develop learning skills.
While the mothers and their babies do exercises in singing, dancing and playing instruments, seniors from seniors’ homes are invited to watch and participate.
Recently brought to the Langley Seniors’ Village, the classes have become a huge hit, said Phyllis Heppner, owner of The Musik Shop.
“The seniors absolutely love it,” she said. “You know they just are beaming.”
“It’s so good for them. It really perks up their brain. Music increases the mental capacity in seniors, and when you combine that with babies, it really gives them that little more mental alertness.”
During the classes, while the seniors sing along to old familiar songs, or jump in with an instrument, they are increasing their motor, social, cognitive and emotional sensory skills, Heppner said. They are also helping to keep their brain cells healthy by reminiscing and stimulating memories.
“It makes them feel like they have more of a role in society, and that they can contribute to the next generation. It gives them a feeling of interaction and that they’re a useful person in society,” Heppner said,
“We’re not just hiding them away somewhere, they have an impact on little, tiny babies. And they tend to really encourage the babies, so that’s very good for them. It gives them an opportunity for creativity, and self expression. They have an increased sense of self-worth and less depression, because of that. They make friendships, they have regular participation in an event that they love. So it makes their life a little more interesting.”
This is the first time that Heppner, who has taught piano for more than 40 years, has been involved in the Village with Seniors program. She says she can’t wait to bring it to more senior’s homes throughout the Fraser Valley.
“I just love it,” she said. “I see such a benefit for the little ones.”
For more information, visit www.themusikshop.com.
