Plato, the Athenian philosopher said it best, "Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything."
As we get older it may be difficult to come to terms with many aspects in our world. For instance, our health, our age and where our journey in life has taken us. For Cochrane's seniors in residencies including Bethany, Big Hill Lodge and Points West Living, a new-found happiness is reaching a high note.
An intergenerational program, Musical Journey, has chimed its way into retirement facilities leaving those who attend each class with a permanent smile etched on their face for the remainder of the day. The program allows families with children ages three to five to bridge the gap in time through music and motion.
"When it first starts off these little kids are just a little reluctant and that's a learning curve for them 'oh we don't have to be scared because look at the fun we are having' and it's a good thing," said Barry Bryson, 76, resident at Points West Living.
In 2003, Connie Kearns had the idea to create Musical Journey not only because she saw the significance behind joining generations but she also understood its remedial abilities and impacts.
"If people were suffering from any kind of brain injuries or physical ailments for syndromes, music is highly beneficial," said Kearns. "I knew that if I brought the two together, that even the value of having children with seniors - even if it wasn't with music - it's highly valuable. Then you add the music aspect into it and it just puts the pieces together."
Musical Journey has many benefits for both the seniors and families. The curriculum focuses on assisting all areas of brain development for young children and comes to the aid of seniors through music therapy. Kearns says this rewarding program allows families and seniors to establish friendships, create meaningful memories, all while growing old together.
"I had six children of my own and it's wonderful to watch these little guys. It makes you feel good when you go back to your suite," said Doreen Bradshaw, resident at Points West Living. "This fills a void."
Over the course of the eight week program, families partake in one 45 minute class per week at one of the retirement facilities in town. Families and seniors work together on rhythm and beat, listening, and letting the music guide them. Percussion instruments are used and a variety of music is played, including older songs which in itself is beneficial to the seniors, targeting a sense of nostalgia.
"All of the music is chosen from my knowledge on how the intervals of the sounds and the notes effect different brain development," explains Kearns. "I hear from all of them 'there's nothing better than kids and music' and put them together and you have a hit."
The program is meant to be be affordable for families by simply charging one flat rate. Regardless of family compositions, there is no limit on the number of children you can tow along and even if you have relatives visiting from out of town, they are more than welcome to come at no additional cost.
"It isn't about making money, it's about connecting our generations," said Kearns.
For many of the seniors who have been long time attendees of the program, they look forward to the knock on their door every week informing them that it's Musical Journey day. This just goes to show how one small idea can make a difference in so many people's lives.
"It's a really popular program, we always get really good feedback from it. There's lots of benefit there, everyone is always in a happy, cheery mood when they leave," explained Taryn Wallace, recreational therapist at Bethany.
"It just puts tears in my eyes when I hear how valuable it is to them, and they wouldn't miss it for the world," said Kearns.
Along with being in a senior home comes the unavoidable fate - death. This is difficult for families who have found companionship among the seniors but Kearns explains the group works through it together and by doing so they are able to cope and move forward. It also allows the children to begin to understand that death is a natural part of life.
Where words fail, music speaks and it is evident the seniors enjoy the program and adore the children. There is something really special about being able to connect generations through music and interacting with one another to make the best out of life.
"It's everything that you care to make it. If you want to sit in your suite and feel sorry for yourself, well then, you'll damn well will feel sorry for yourself. You got to get out," said Bryson.
For more information or to sign up for Musical Journey visit musicaljourneycochrane.com.
