Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging Leaders in Physical Activity Research for and Program Development for Seniors

The Importance of Music for Senior Fitness

June 8, 2019 Research to Action Kathy Meyer What Participants Said • 4 Classes Polled – 52 respondents • It was unanimous….they all like music a lot • 40 out of 52 said the song choice was very important • Using the beat to set the pace was important to all but 4 • “Loss of the sound volume and vibrancy depresses me. I feel left out and not motivated to move with spirit. People in my class sing to familiar tunes and their involvement intensifies as well as their joy. Old vibrant, familiar songs bring back smiles and laughter as eyes meet. Movement of the bodies are more expansive and done with more joy.” Music Preferences

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5 Warm up Songs Set the Tone

• Beatles – Legendary Medleys – Zach Lawrence • ABBA – The Very Best of Stars on 45 – (ABBA Medley) • 60’s – The Very Best of Stars on 45 -Stars on 45 • Showtunes – The Complete Novelty Party Vol. 3 – Broadway Medley • Country – Mary Chapin Carpenter – I Feel Lucky • Latin – Kaoma – Lambada • Joyful - Rivers of Babylon – Boney M Cardio Mama Mia – ABBA Gold Oklahoma – Power Music Better When I’m Dancing – Cardio Hits Winter 2016 Megamix – Boney M – 20th Century Hits Cardio Cardio Line Dance – Blue Claw Fitness Old Time Rock and Roll – Five Decades of Rock 70’s Workout Mix Beatles Medley – British Pop Boyz Cool Down • Before I Go – Yanni • You Send Me – Sam Cooke • I Have a Dream – ABBA Gold • Que Sera, Sera – Doris Day Tapping Songs • Sixteen Tons – Tennessee Ernie Ford • Come Go With Me – The Del- Vikings • I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Pogues