Music has a unique power to spark joy, stir memories, and bring generations together, especially for seniors who grew up with timeless classics. Whether you're looking to create an uplifting playlist for a loved one or want to reconnect through shared nostalgia, this list of music seniors love from every generation offers the perfect soundtrack.
From big band swing and '50s rock ‘n’ roll to Motown soul and iconic ‘80s hits, we’ve curated a musical journey that will get toes tapping, hearts warming, and stories flowing. Let the power of melody strengthen your bond and brighten their day!
Music Reduces Stress, Anxiety, and Pain in Seniors
Music is an amazing, drug-free way to improve the quality of life for older adults. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of music.
It reduces stress, anxiety, and pain. It also enhances immune function, supports memory, and promotes exercise.
To help you find music your older adult loves, we’ve rounded up dozens of top hits from every generation.
Music Magically Reaches Those with Dementia
Another benefit is that music helps people reminisce and reconnect with emotions and experiences.
To reap the benefits, it’s essential to play music that your older adult enjoys and connects with, typically music from their younger years.
We've got something for every generation, starting with the 1930s for those who are 90 years old and older, and going all the way to the songs 60-year-olds will remember from their youth.
Here are some of the top artists and highly rated “best of” albums from each decade. Click the links to see the albums we suggest.
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About the Author
Connie Chow
Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
This list for 70 year olds is so wrong! I and my friends listen to 60’s, 70’s and 80’s rock. I would never listen to 50’s or the Rat Pack. I know who they are but that is definitely not my kind of music.
MR IVOR JOSEPHSON
1 year ago
Why can’t 70 year olds enjoy music from when they were 50. I discovered Moby and love his Play album.
That’s fantastic! Anyone can enjoy any kind of music from any era or genre. However, research shows that many people especially enjoy music from their youth. That’s not to say they wouldn’t like other types of music as well. If someone is looking for suggestions or a starting point, using their age as a guide can be helpful.
Nick Barrow
6 years ago
My grandmother loves ray stevens, and she sings the roy rogers song whenever it plays, too! She also likes the monkees.
There might be something you would like among these hymn CDs on Amazon — https://amzn.to/2OoGZsv
Shelia O'Neal
7 years ago
I am a activities coordinator at my home. We have residents that range in age from 100 98 94 Plus. We have some ages 68 58 54 and so on. We deal with mental illness and dementia and Alzheimer’s.
[…] resource is, certainly, not unique. You can also take a look at the following list offered by Daily Caring that is compiled by decades and the best artists and bands […]
This list for 70 year olds is so wrong! I and my friends listen to 60’s, 70’s and 80’s rock. I would never listen to 50’s or the Rat Pack. I know who they are but that is definitely not my kind of music.
Why can’t 70 year olds enjoy music from when they were 50. I discovered Moby and love his Play album.
That’s fantastic! Anyone can enjoy any kind of music from any era or genre. However, research shows that many people especially enjoy music from their youth. That’s not to say they wouldn’t like other types of music as well. If someone is looking for suggestions or a starting point, using their age as a guide can be helpful.
My grandmother loves ray stevens, and she sings the roy rogers song whenever it plays, too! She also likes the monkees.
That’s wonderful!
Do you have any hymn CD s for singing to?
There might be something you would like among these hymn CDs on Amazon — https://amzn.to/2OoGZsv
I am a activities coordinator at my home. We have residents that range in age from 100 98 94 Plus. We have some ages 68 58 54 and so on. We deal with mental illness and dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Wow! That’s a wide age range to work with. I hope these song suggestions help you find music that suits a variety of tastes!
i’m an activity director and i use this youtube channel a lot… it’s live piano
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tOG4Sbz2C6s
Thank you for sharing Tom! These are great tunes 🙂 For anyone who’d like to listen to all the videos on this channel on autoplay, use this link — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZZ2HAtRHNk&list=UU4zSQRo-IzJU8lmnPRewb1Q
[…] resource is, certainly, not unique. You can also take a look at the following list offered by Daily Caring that is compiled by decades and the best artists and bands […]