It's a new year, and I'm starting it out by sharing with you my seasonal playlist for seniors that I keep in my back pocket all year round.
While each individual I work with has their own preferences, life experiences, and cultural traditions regardless of the time of year, I find that bringing in a couple of seasonal songs helps ground my clients' environment and helps to address goals including: increasing environmental awareness and increasing opportunities for reminiscence.
So I invite you to take a look and revisit these classic favorites. Have there been seasons in your life where you were touched by a particular song? We'd love to hear your stories or additional songs you would add to this list in the comments below!
Winter
Let It Snow (1945), Written by June Styne & Sammy Cahn, Peformed by Various Artists
Sleigh Ride (1948), Written by Leroy Anderson
California Dreamin' (1965), Written by John Phillips & Michelle Phillips, Performed by The Mamas & the Papas
Spring
Singing in the Rain (1929), Written by Arthur Freed
Can't Wait for Summer (1957), Performed by Steve Lawrence
Here Comes the Sun (1969), Written by George Harrison, Performed by The Beatles
Summer
Beyond the Sea (1945), Written by Charles Trenet & Albert Lasry, Performed by multiple artists
Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer (1963), Written by Hans Carste, Performed by Nat King Cole
Summer Wind (1965), Written by Heinz Meier & Hans Bradtke, Performed by Frank Sinatra
Fall
Shine On Harvest Moon (1908), written by Nora Bayes & Jack Norworth
Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree (1942), Written by Kew Brown & Charles Tobias, Performed by The Andrews Sisters
Autumn Leaves (1945), written by Joseph Kosma & Jacques Prevert, recorded by multiple artists
School Days (1957), written by Chuck Berry
Coat of Many Colors (1971), Written by Dolly Parton