What's on your playlist?
This National Playlist Day (20th September) we're raising awareness of the power of personalised playlists for people living with dementia

National Playlist Day asks: what’s on your personalised playlist? What music makes up the soundtrack of your life?
#NationalPlaylistDay aims to raise awareness of the power of personally meaningful music for people living with dementia. Everyone has a soundtrack to their life, and National Playlist Day seeks to uncover these special and unique playlists, all while raising awareness of a simple but effective intervention already benefitting thousands of people living with dementia throughout the UK.
Meaningful music for people living with dementia
National Playlist Day was created by Playlist for Life, a UK-wide music and dementia charity, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023.
Playlist for Life was founded in 2013 with a small team and a simple mission: to help people living with dementia through the power of meaningful music.
10 years on, we’ve helped thousands of families, carers and health and social care professionals create and benefit from personalised playlists.


“When I was diagnosed, I went into a depression. I did not want to see anyone or go anywhere. I didn’t want to move off the couch. But music is a wonderful thing for the soul, whether you are happy or sad. And this Playlist for Life is one of the best things I’ve ever done”
Carol , who lives with young onset dementia


“When I first played the playlist with him during a sunny afternoon in his garden he produced a knowing expression instantly. The songs themselves triggered recognition and he was able to hum, tap and even sing along to them all. Producing lyrics of words beyond him in regular conversation.“
Sam, whose dad Paul lives with dementia
Get involved! Share a song from your own playlist

On 20th September Playlist for Life is asking everyone to share the music that has soundtracked their life, and the memories the songs bring back.
It could be a song from your youth, or a track that reminds you of a special person, memory or place.
Join us on 20th September by sharing the tracks of your life using #NationalPlaylistDay.
Need inspiration, or want to find out more about building a playlist for yourself or a loved one living with dementia? Check out our free resources.
Want to get involved in National Playlist Day? Download our partners pack below.
All our resources are freely available at no cost to families who could benefit from them. If you’d like to help provide more free resources to families affected by dementia you can donate to Playlist for Life!