Let’s Sing Together - Sing along animations
In 2023-24 I had the pleasure of creating a series of seven age friendly animations for the Age Friendly community in Ireland (commissioned by the HSE).
Spearheaded by the talented Brian Toomey, a senior singer and advocate for older individuals, Brian selected and produced seven popular songs that resonate with the community. I then created the accompanying animations with my studio team.
This project recognises the profound impact of music on the mental health of older people, backed up by research which suggests that playing recognisable songs can alleviate anxiety and depression and help maintain older people’s speech and language skills, especially in individuals dealing with dementia. Research also suggests that music can significantly enhance the quality of life for seniors and can positively influence caregivers and family members..
Derval Howley, Health and Wellbeing, South East Community Healthcare sends out this invitation: ‘Join us in singing, dancing, clapping, or swaying to this age-friendly collection. May the music bring joy to you, your friends, family, and caregivers’
We’ve already had great feedback (see below)
Animation trailer below (3 mins)
Full animation is available via the HSE website here
Feedback from the stakeholders, who offered input at various stages of the process, during the internal screening:
Full congratulations to Becky and Brian, I can see so many ways to apply it - 17 minutes of sheer pleasure for our centres.
I loved it! I sang along and swayed.
Absolutely loved it, love the songs and the graphics are so traditional and tasteful.
Brilliant. I’ll be promoting it to the people I work with - including those with intellectual disabilities and those with dementia.
Super, the graphics bring the songs to life.
Feedback from a nursing home who trialed the songs in February 2024 (prior to launch)
Thank you so much for opportunity to test you new Sing Along Project last week. Singing is very important for elderly people, including dementia patients. It was lovely to hear a familiar voice and the selection of songs is very good. We loved Animation, and it helps to follow the story line. Oksana, Activities Coordinator, Beechwood Nursing home
Feedback from our residents:
Very Good. This is great for Nursing homes to use at any time.
Technology is great, how did you do it?
I really enjoyed that
Wonderful
Great. Words are easy to see
The project is due to officially launch in March 2024, with an event followed by open source and wide distribution of the collection across Ireland and beyond.