How to start building a personalised playlist
Research has shown that listening to a personalised playlist can improve the lives of those living with dementia. This Dementia Action Week, we’re giving you some top tips to get you started on a personalised playlist…
Use your music collection
The best place to start when creating your playlist is with your own music. Go through your collection, and if you come across a song that triggers a memory or emotion, make a note of it and add it to your playlist!
Listen together
Sharing in someone’s playlist can help us reconnect with them; it’s an opportunity to learn more about their life, rediscover some of their adventures, and simply share in the moment of listening to a song that is meaningful to them.
Think about home
Are there any songs that come to mind? Maybe it’s folk songs about working in shipyards, or ditties about living in the countryside. It could even be a lullaby about local legends, or tunes celebrating local holidays.
TV theme tunes
When creating a personalised playlist, we can sometimes overlook our favourite TV shows and movies and how their music sticks with us. For many of us, watching TV is associated with family time – that weekly show the family gets together for without fail. If you are stuck, visit BBC Music Memories for some inspiration!
Songs of the stadium
Think back to the chants you’ve sung over the years at games. Which songs did you sing on the supporters bus, or at the pub when celebrating your team’s win? You can ask your local supporters club for help, or listen to the Sport playlists on our Spotify account. You might be surprised at the number of tunes you’ll end up with on your playlist!
Hurrah – you’re on your way to making your personalised playlist! Whether you’re creating a playlist for yourself or for someone living with dementia, our Resources page is full of free materials to help you at each stage of your playlist journey.
