In 2020, a video of a former ballerina with Alzheimer’s disease went viral. The moving clip shows Marta González sitting in her wheelchair at a memory care community as she listens to music from Swan Lake. As the music rises, her hands start to move gracefully. Soon, she’s performing the choreography from memory, her upper body flowing through each position. She appears transported in time as her body naturally recalls the movements.
While the video touched millions, it also demonstrates something profound about memory care: the power of meaningful engagement. Viewers see in real time how a person living with dementia can reconnect with core parts of themselves through activities that have deep personal significance.
What Makes Engagement Meaningful?
While activities of all kinds can benefit someone living with dementia, meaningful engagement goes deeper by connecting to a person’s unique identity and interests. According to Pennsylvania State University, the most impactful activities tap into a person’s lifelong passions while providing a sense of purpose.
A former gardener may find deep satisfaction in tending to community flower beds, deriving joy from pulling weeds and watching plants grow. A carpenter might come alive at a woodworking station, as their skilled hands recall how to sand smooth edges. These activities tie into their sense of self, helping them maintain meaningful connections to who they are.
In the case of Marta the ballerina, music and dance were core to her sense of self. The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners states that listening to familiar music uniquely activates parts of the brain associated with memory and emotion. This explains why music plays such a vital role in quality memory care communities, as familiar songs help residents feel moments of genuine connection.
Benefits of Meaningful Engagement
The impact of meaningful engagement goes beyond passing time. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, when people with dementia participate in activities that hold personal meaning and value, the benefits are profound. They often experience improved quality of life and a greater sense of well-being. Many increase their functional independence. Their feelings toward caregivers grow more positive, and their overall health tends to improve.
Your Partner in Memory Care
Every day at Claiborne Senior Living communities, we create opportunities for genuine connection through our specialized Tempus program. We take time to know each resident’s story and understand what brings them joy and purpose. From gardening and music to cooking and crafts, these meaningful moments enhance life for our memory care residents.
Experience our approach to memory care firsthand. Visit your nearest Claiborne Senior Living community to discover how we can support your loved one’s journey.