There’s something about hearing a favorite song that can take us right back to another time and place. Maybe it’s the song that played at your wedding. The music you listened to in high school. A hymn you sang every Sunday. Or the song you danced to in the kitchen while your children were growing up. Music has a way of becoming part of our story.
In honor of National Dance Day on September 19, we’re celebrating the role music and movement can play throughout our lives — and why there’s always a good reason to tap your toes, sing along or get up and dance.
Music Has a Way of Bringing Us Together
You don’t have to be a great dancer or musician to enjoy music. Put on a familiar song in a room full of people and something usually happens. Someone starts tapping a foot, someone else starts singing, a memory comes up and a conversation begins. Before long, people are laughing and enjoying the moment together.
That’s one of the best things about music. It gives us a simple way to connect. For older adults, staying socially connected is an important part of overall well-being, and music gives us one more reason to spend time together.
Movement Doesn’t Have to Mean a Workout
Staying active as we age matters, but exercise doesn’t always have to feel like exercise. Movement can be as simple as dancing with a partner, swaying to a favorite song, clapping along with the beat, joining a chair exercise class or moving your feet while music plays.
The goal is simply to keep moving in ways that feel comfortable and enjoyable. For older adults with mobility or balance concerns, movement can be adapted to different abilities, and even seated movement offers a way to participate and enjoy the music.
Always talk with your healthcare provider about which types of physical activity are right for you.
A Song Can Bring Back a Lifetime of Memories
Have you ever heard the first few notes of a song and immediately remembered where you were years ago?
Music often becomes connected to important parts of our lives.
A favorite song may remind us of:
High school dances
A first date
Falling in love
A wedding
Raising children
Family road trips
Church on Sunday mornings
Holidays at home
Military service
A favorite concert
Dancing in the living room
Those songs become part of our lives, and hearing one again can bring a story right back.
Music Can Be Especially Meaningful for Someone Living With Dementia
Music can be a simple, meaningful way to connect with someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. A person may have difficulty remembering something that happened earlier in the day but still recognize a song they loved years ago. They may tap along, hum, sing familiar words or simply smile when the music starts.
Familiar songs can also give families another way to enjoy time together. If conversation feels difficult during a visit, try playing a favorite song, sitting together, singing along or simply holding hands and listening.
There doesn’t always have to be a right thing to say. Instead of asking, “Do you remember this?” enjoy the song together and let the moment unfold naturally.
Create the Soundtrack of Someone’s Life
One simple thing families can do is create a playlist filled with music someone loves. Instead of only asking, “What’s your favorite song?” think about different times in their life.
What did they listen to as a teenager?
What song reminds them of their spouse?
What played at their wedding?
What music did they enjoy while raising their children?
Did they have favorite hymns or spiritual music?
What songs always made them want to dance?
Ask the questions and write down the answers.
That playlist can become another way to share stories, revisit memories and enjoy time together.
Tips for Building a Memory Playlist
Create a Memory Playlist for Someone You Love with simple prompts and ideas to help you gather favorite songs from different chapters of their life.
Music, Movement & Memories at Mustang Creek Estates
At Mustang Creek Estates, activities are about more than keeping busy. They give residents opportunities to spend time together, enjoy something they love, share stories, laugh and have a little fun. Music is naturally part of that, whether residents are enjoying live entertainment, singing along during an activity, listening to an old favorite or dancing with a team member or family member.
And sometimes the best moments happen without much planning at all. A favorite song comes on, someone starts singing, someone else starts dancing and before long, others join in.
Keep Dancing Through Life
Growing older doesn’t mean giving up the things that bring us joy. Turn up a favorite song, sing along, tap your toes or take someone’s hand and dance.
And when a song brings back a memory, share the story. Sometimes the best moments are as simple as good music, good company and a reason to keep dancing.
September 16, 2026