Can Playlists Help You Prepare for the End?
Published: 2025-09-22 00:35:16 | Category: technology
Music holds a profound power, especially in the context of life’s most challenging moments. For those facing terminal illness, carefully curated playlists can evoke cherished memories and strengthen connections with loved ones. As demonstrated by local DJ Dave Gilmore, who is selecting songs from his life to accompany him through his journey, music serves as both a comfort and a means of remembrance.
Last updated: 02 October 2023 (BST)
Key Takeaways
- Music can create emotional connections and evoke powerful memories.
- Listening to music together fosters shared experiences, especially during end-of-life care.
- Music's therapeutic benefits extend to reducing anxiety and providing comfort even for the unconscious.
- Personal playlists can offer a sense of normality and relaxation during difficult times.
- Experiences with music can be deeply personal, connecting individuals to their loved ones.
The Power of Music in Life’s Final Moments
For many, music is a soundtrack to significant moments in life. As Dave Gilmore curates his personal playlist, he reflects on songs that have shaped his identity and relationships. Each track serves not only as entertainment but as a bridge to his past, filled with memories of love, joy, and connection.
Personal Playlists: A Journey Through Memories
Dave’s playlist includes classics like “November Rain” and “Sweet Child O' Mine” by Guns N' Roses, alongside “Apache” by The Shadows, which ignited his passion for guitar. Each song carries its own story, encapsulating moments of triumph and tenderness, like “Will You?” by Hazel O'Connor, dedicated to his wife, Kate.
“It's our tune from when we got together,” Dave shares, illustrating how music can crystallise love and partnership. This playlist becomes not just a means of entertainment but a therapeutic tool to navigate his illness.
Music as a Therapeutic Tool in Palliative Care
The therapeutic benefits of music are increasingly recognised in palliative and end-of-life care. Sarah Metcalfe, managing director of the Utley Foundation's Music for Dementia campaign, highlights the neurological impact of music. Scans show that music can activate multiple areas of the brain, engaging emotional and physical centres, which can be particularly beneficial for those with cognitive impairments.
Creating Shared Experiences Through Music
A survey by UK charity Marie Curie found that music helps create shared experiences, fostering closeness between patients and their loved ones. This was evident in Kate’s experience with Dave, where music transformed his agitation into tranquility following a stressful hospital stay. “Out of desperation, I turned to Native American music,” she recalls, underscoring how music can provide solace in trying times.
Expert Insights on Music and Memory
Healthcare professionals like Diana Schad, a staff nurse with a musical background, advocate for the use of music in patient care. She emphasises the importance of understanding the emotional landscape of patients. “You’ve always got to ask yourself, is this what they would like to be feeling at the moment?” It’s about curating a soundscape that resonates with the individual’s experiences and emotions.
Strategies for Curating Meaningful Music Playlists
When creating playlists for those facing terminal illness, experts suggest the following strategies:
- Focus on music memories formed between the ages of 10-30, when strong associations typically develop.
- Include songs tied to significant life events, such as first dances, holidays, or weddings.
- Consider emotional responses to songs; feelings can be as potent as memories.
- Utilise resources like BBC Music Memories to trigger recall, even for those with dementia.
- Be open to unexpected musical connections, such as TV themes or jingles that may evoke strong feelings.
Music's Lasting Impact Beyond Life
The influence of music does not end with a person's passing. Dr Sam Murphy, a senior lecturer specialising in thanatology, explains that music can provide comfort to mourners, helping them feel connected to their loved ones. “It’s just another distraction for those mourning, but there's comfort in knowing they are listening to something their loved one enjoyed,” she says.
Real-Life Experiences of Music and Mourning
Anna-Kay Brocklesby’s experience with her husband Ian, who passed away from prostate cancer in 2023, exemplifies music's role in coping. Their shared love for music became a vital part of their family's strategy to maintain hope and positivity. “Every morning, he would play ‘Oh, What a Beautiful Morning’ from Oklahoma,” she fondly recalls, indicating how music helped set a positive tone for their day.
Even two years after Ian's death, Anna-Kay finds solace in the music they shared. “He lives on in us in many, many ways, but music can take us to a place with Ian,” she reflects, illustrating how music serves as a bridge between past and present, providing comfort during the grieving process.
Understanding the Science Behind Music's Power
Research supports the notion that music can reduce anxiety and psychological distress, even in patients who are unconscious. Dr. Murphy notes that hearing is often the last sense to fade, suggesting that music can continue to connect individuals with their loved ones and memories, even in their final moments. “It keeps them connected to their surroundings, to the people they love, and those memories they’ve had,” she explains.
The Role of Music in End-of-Life Care
In end-of-life care, music can be an essential tool for fostering emotional connections and providing comfort. By creating a personalised playlist, families can help their loved ones feel more at ease, enabling a peaceful transition. This approach not only aids in the emotional well-being of the patient but also supports families in coping with grief and loss.
Final Thoughts on Music and Life’s Journey
As the stories of Dave, Kate, Anna-Kay, and Ian illustrate, music is far more than mere entertainment. It serves as a powerful connector, a source of comfort, and a tool for remembrance. In moments of joy, sorrow, and reflection, the right songs can evoke vivid memories and foster connections that last beyond a lifetime.
What songs would you choose to accompany you on your journey? Consider the music that has shaped your life and the memories it brings. #MusicTherapy #EndOfLifeCare #CherishedMemories
FAQs
How can music benefit individuals with terminal illnesses?
Music can provide emotional comfort, evoke memories, and reduce anxiety for individuals facing terminal illnesses. It fosters connections with loved ones and can create a sense of normalcy during difficult times.
What types of music are most effective in palliative care?
Music that evokes strong emotional responses or significant memories, such as songs from a person's youth or songs tied to important life events, tends to be most effective in palliative care settings.
Can music help in the grieving process?
Yes, music can be a powerful tool in the grieving process, providing comfort and connection to memories of loved ones. It can help individuals cope with loss and foster a sense of closeness to those who have passed away.
How can families create a meaningful music playlist for a loved one?
Families can create meaningful playlists by focusing on songs that evoke cherished memories, significant life events, and emotional associations. Involving the individual in selecting music, if possible, can also enhance the playlist's impact.
What role does music play in dementia care?
Music can trigger memories and emotions in individuals with dementia, engaging multiple areas of the brain. It can help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and facilitate communication between patients and caregivers.
