What songs should I own? I am over 50. I could become ill and unable to voice my preferences. Maybe I need to be sure I have them now. Or, is there a magic list of songs every rehabilitation facility, every senior living community could have that will make everyone happy?
In an AARP article Jacquelyn Mitchard shared her thoughts in “16 songs Everyone Over 50 Must Own“. Here is the list:
- “Once Upon a Time” (Frank Sinatra, 1965)
- “Harvest Moon” (Neil Young, 1992)
- “Lately” (Stevie Wonder, 1980)
- “A House Is Not a Home” (Dionne Warwick, 1964)
- “Little Green” (Joni Mitchell, 1971)
- “Gangsta’s Paradise” (Coolio, 1995)
- “Landslide” (Stevie Nicks, 1975)
- “Hotel California” (Eagles, 1977)
- “You Shook Me All Night Long” (AC/DC, 1980)
- “C’est La Vie — You Never Can Tell” (Vocals by Emmylou Harris, 1977)
- “He Stopped Loving Her Today” (George Jones, 1980)
- “For What It’s Worth — Stop, Hey What’s That Sound” (Buffalo Springfield, 1967)
- “Crazy” (Patsy Cline, vocals; Willie Nelson, lyrics; 1962)
- “God Only Knows” (Beach Boys, 1966)
- “Jailhouse Rock” (Elvis Presley, 1957)
- “In My Life” (The Beatles, 1965)
I applaud Jacquelyn for creating the list. A list is a starting point. It creates something to consider and to discuss. And given the responses on the on the AARP site, I would say it has created discussion.
As a person over age 50 and as a music therapist, I can tell you there is no master list of 16 must haves for everyone. There are likely not 16 songs my husband and I would agree upon. Yet, there are 16 songs (or more) that you should own. Songs that have meaning for you. Songs that are important in you life. And, chances are, those 16 songs would be different depending on your mood, your need, when you would listen to them.
There is no master list of songs that would fit every senior living community across the US. Yes, there are songs those working in senior living communities would be wise to know. Yet, those don’t fit every person 50 and older.
If you are 50 or over, take some time to share in conversation or in an mp3 playlist songs that are important to you. Be sure people know what music irritates you, relaxes you, energizes you. Be sure people know your musical history: instruments you played, groups with which you performed, where and how you heard music.
If you are under 50, start collecting your list. Ask your parents, grandparents and others about their musical preferences. Who knows, you might find some new “old” music to enjoy. Share your music stories. You, too, never know when someone might be able to use this music to support you.
JoAnn,
I love your reminder that if we don’t express our preferences now, we might not be able to later. My friend Lisa, who tweets as @produceconsume, has already created her “end of life playlist” which is different than what your suggesting, but is all about thinking forward.
Ann
It certainly is about being forward thinking. There is no reason not to habe multiple lists for different purposes.
I’m not over 50, but I think Jacquelyn Mitchard’s list is kind of strange. (I could never imagine my parents listening to “Gangsta’s Paradise, for one!) Of course, 50+ years is plenty of time to develop some individual preferences! Best to get those recorded somewhere so some crazy music therapist isn’t rapping to you in the nursing home based on this list! (Unless you like that, of course!)
The blessing is most music therapist will inquire as to preferences when they can. Having lists or playlist you or a family member can use as a point of reference would be a big blessing to healthcare workers in general. As a music therapist it would ease our process. While there is a role (as you well know Rachelle) for exposing people to music outside their preferred preferences, it is better to do this intentionally rather than by accident.
Nice list. Too tame for me, and I’m over 50. need some black-eyed peas, some pit bull, some rolling stones, some steven tyler in there!
Kathy – It totally points out why lists need to be individualized. I’d consider some Rolling Stones but not the Pit Bull.
Kathy Morelli–I just love you! Hahaha!
I completely agree with Rachelle–this is a strange list. I can never conceive that anyone would think their music list is all-conclusive to a generation.
Call me unqualified to speak for the 50+ crowd, but I think AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” trumps “You Shook Me…”
And “As” by Stevie Wonder is one of the most beautiful, well-written and arranged song ever…(The George Michael/Mary J. Blige cover is great too!).
You music therapists sure are a fervent crowd :).
It is a strange list, Linda. As a member of the over 50 crowd, with a dad & mother-in-law at 80, I can say this list fits none of us and that all three of us need very different lists. But, I think putting it out there promotes conversation which is what does need to happen. Your song choices make me smile.
Great reminder to think about the type of music each of us enjoy. I attended an event to day that included a vocal music program. This was a crowd with many over 80. Some of the songs were familiar and some weren’t. It reminded me of the kinds of music that I enjoy.
Another wonderful thing about music is we can always add more genres and songs we like throughout our life. Attending concerts and recitals can be a wonderful place to hear music new to you.