A music program to help babies with early development is now benefiting older generations as well.
Kindermusik鈥檚 new Village with Seniors program is bringing moms, babies and seniors together in an interactive class that utilizes music to help newborns develop learning skills.
While the mothers and their babies do exercises in singing, dancing and playing instruments, seniors from seniors鈥� homes are invited to watch and participate.
Recently brought to the 黑马磁力 Seniors鈥� Village, the classes have become a huge hit, said Phyllis Heppner, owner of The Musik Shop.
鈥淭he seniors absolutely love it,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou know they just are beaming.鈥�
鈥淚t鈥檚 so good for them. It really perks up their brain. Music increases the mental capacity in seniors, and when you combine that with babies, it really gives them that little more mental alertness.鈥�
During the classes, while the seniors sing along to old familiar songs, or jump in with an instrument, they are increasing their motor, social, cognitive and emotional sensory skills, Heppner said. They are also helping to keep their brain cells healthy by reminiscing and stimulating memories.
鈥淚t makes them feel like they have more of a role in society, and that they can contribute to the next generation. It gives them a feeling of interaction and that they鈥檙e a useful person in society,鈥� Heppner said,
鈥淲e鈥檙e not just hiding them away somewhere, they have an impact on little, tiny babies. And they tend to really encourage the babies, so that鈥檚 very good for them. It gives them an opportunity for creativity, and self expression. They have an increased sense of self-worth and less depression, because of that. They make friendships, they have regular participation in an event that they love. So it makes their life a little more interesting.鈥�
This is the first time that Heppner, who has taught piano for more than 40 years, has been involved in the Village with Seniors program. She says she can鈥檛 wait to bring it to more senior鈥檚 homes throughout the Fraser Valley.
鈥淚 just love it,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 see such a benefit for the little ones.鈥�
For more information, visit www.themusikshop.com.
