World Alzheimer’s Day: As the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia continues to rise, senior living communities are increasingly looking beyond traditional care approaches to create meaningful moments of connection, joy and engagement. For many, one of the most powerful tools is music.
To mark World Alzheimer’s Day (21st September), Percussion Play is highlighting how outdoor musical instruments are helping care homes and senior living communities create inclusive spaces where residents can socialise, exercise and reconnect with memories through shared musical experiences.
Unlike structured music therapy sessions, outdoor musical instruments are available throughout the day, allowing residents, families, carers and visitors to make music together whenever the opportunity arises. From gentle melodies played on chimes to spontaneous family performances, these spaces encourage interaction without pressure or expectation.
Kate Mannerings, Senior Living Champion at Percussion Play, said:
“Music has an extraordinary ability to reach people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia in ways that words often cannot. A familiar melody or the simple act of creating sound can spark memories, encourage movement and bring moments of happiness, even for people who struggle with communication.
“Outdoor musical instruments create opportunities for meaningful interaction. They help transform gardens into vibrant social spaces where residents, families and carers can connect through shared experiences. Rather than simply sitting outdoors, people become active participants, making music together regardless of age or ability.”
Research has consistently shown that musical activities can support emotional wellbeing, reduce anxiety and encourage social interaction for people living with dementia. Music stimulates multiple areas of the brain simultaneously and can often remain accessible even as other cognitive abilities decline.
Outdoor musical spaces also encourage gentle physical movement and provide sensory stimulation, while offering a calm environment away from busy indoor settings.
One organisation embracing this approach is Huntington & Langham Estate, where outdoor musical instruments have become an important feature of daily life for residents. The care home has found that accessible musical installations encourage residents to spend more time outdoors, support conversations between generations and provide an activity that families can enjoy together during visits.
Charlie Hoare, Managing Director, Huntington & Langham Estate said:
“Music is amazingly sociable and can connect people without the need for verbal communication. Percussion Play’s outdoor instruments work so well for people with dementia for this very reason with the added joy of being able to make music – and as a tool for carers, they offer opportunities for reminiscence, social connection and fun all at once.”
Percussion Play designs inclusive outdoor musical instruments for parks, schools, libraries, hospitals and senior living communities around the world. Instruments such as the Duo, Harmony Flowers and Cavatina are specifically designed so that everyone, regardless of musical experience or physical ability, can take part.
As awareness grows around the importance of creating dementia-friendly communities, Percussion Play believes outdoor music offers a simple yet powerful way to improve quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s while also supporting families and care professionals.
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Listen to the Percussion Play Music for the Great Outdoors Podcast here.
ABOUT PERCUSSION PLAY
Percussion Play creates exciting, inclusive outdoor musical instruments for all ages and abilities to explore – bringing the joy of playing percussion to the great outdoors.
Specifically designed for challenging outdoor environments including; playgrounds, parks, trails, schools, family attractions, hospitals and senior living, the instruments are fully inclusive, accessible and enjoyed by all who encounter them.
In May 2024, Percussion Play was honoured with the prestigious King’s Awards for Enterprise; International Trade 2024. Since the company was founded over a decade ago, nearly 90% of its products are shipped overseas with its top five markets being the USA, Australia, Denmark, France, and Lithuania. The company also has over 200 representatives in over 50 countries. Percussion Play was previously named a winner of the 2021 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.
Composer AR, is Percussion Play’s new, industry-leading App, launched in Spring 2024, which helps everyone to bring music projects to life, before the instruments are even in the ground. The state-of-the-art App allows users to place any Percussion Play instrument within a real-life setting, in real-time and play it. This interactive app allows users to listen to how each instrument sounds as they play the instrument in the app.
For more information about Percussion Play’s products in the UK, call +44 1730 235180, email us at info@percussionplay.com or visit our website at www.percussionplay.com .
For services in the United States and Canada, call +1 (866) 882-9170.
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