Canadian singer Abbey Neves has connected with nursing home residents through music, which brings back powerful memories. Recently, she shared a video on her Instagram where she performed “Danny Boy” for a specific resident in a nursing home. The performance touched both the residents and viewers online. Neves mentioned to Upworthy that her experiences performing have shown her how impactful music can be, especially when she shared that moment with the resident.
In the video, Neves is seen singing “Danny Boy” to an elderly woman who is using a walker for support. The woman requested that Neves sing the song again, sharing that her father used to sing it to her, which brought back cherished memories. During the song, the woman displayed deep emotion, often wiping tears from her eyes. Neves noted to Upworthy that sometimes people forget that elderly individuals have young spirits. They enjoy reminiscing about their past, including their teenage years, love stories, and family moments.
Neves began performing at retirement and nursing homes last year, and she found it has changed her life significantly. Although she previously performed at bars, restaurants, and parks, she has come to see the beauty of connecting with residents through music. She has witnessed residents open up in ways that are heartwarming. She shared an experience of a man who typically does not allow anyone to come near him, but he stood up to dance and hold her hand. Neves recounted moments where she performed love songs for married couples who danced together while holding hands. Some residents have even surprised her by singing entire songs using her microphone.
“Danny Boy,” a song written in 1910 by British lyricist Frederic Weatherly, is a popular choice among the residents. Many viewers expressed their feelings about Neves’ emotional performance in the comments, sharing reflections like missing loved ones and the bittersweet nature of growing old.
How do you think music impacts memories for elderly individuals?
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Source: Upworthy, by Emily Shiffer