FEATURE STORY
The Music and Memory Project
More photos, more videos, more personal stories
TO DOCUMENT the profound impact of music on wellbeing after 50, AARP’s editors and producers have created compelling stories and videos on the subject, as well as live online events you can join. Here are a few highlights.
AARP BULLETIN
In December, we spotlight songs that were crucial turning points in people’s lives—and invite you to share your own story.
In January/February, we interview noted neuroscience, music and health researcher Julene Johnson.
Read the Bulletin on your smartphone (go to aarp.org/mobile for details).
THE GIRLFRIEND
AARP’s online community for women in their 40s and 50s devotes its December 7 newsletter to the impact of music.
You’ll find:
• One woman’s addiction to grocery store music
• Confessions of a 50-something Swiftie
• Partners with vastly different tastes in music
Read these and other essays at thegirlfriend.com.
SISTERS FROM AARP
In its December 5 newsletter, AARP’s online community celebrating African American women age 40-plus looks at how music feeds our souls.
Discover:
• A ’70s music playlist
• The surprising health benefits of singing
• Gifts for music lovers
These and other stories are at sistersletter.com.
THE ETHEL
AARP’s online community for older women focuses entirely on music in its December 6 newsletter.
Learn about:
• A Monkees fan’s crush that led to true friendship
• The benefits of daily piano playing
• How Woodstock shaped one woman’s life
Read these and other stories at aarpethel.com.
AARP EXPERIENCE COUNTS
AARP’s new e-newsletter about traditional lifestyles and values lists great remakes of popular songs in its issue out December 7.
Find the newsletter at aarp.org/experience-counts.
AARP VETERAN REPORT
Our e-newsletter for veterans and their loved ones will devote its December 14 issue to music in the military.
Read about:
• How a hero’s song got to the White House
• Seven songs that inspired POWs
• When music therapy bolsters a veteran’s health
Find the newsletter at aarp.org/veteranreport.
SOCIAL MEDIA
AARP Studios has produced a variety of video stories examining the physical and emotional effects of music. You can find the stories—and join in the conversation—across social media.
Watch these examples:
• Air Force officers help vets enter the music biz. Go to YouTube.com/aarp.
• Gen X moms formed a rock band.
Go to facebook.com/aarp/videos.
EVENTS
AARP Virtual Community Center will host several live events having to do with music and memory, including:
• A virtual dance party
• A virtual screening of the documentary Alive Inside
• A live lecture on the stories behind 10 great rock songs
Go to aarp.org/vcc to find a lineup of live AARP talks and events.
AARP ONLINE
Visit aarp.org/musicandmemory to find other features, including a video of Concetta Tomaino in action and a story on the brain benefits of songs that get stuck in your head.
At aarp.org/brainhealth, you’ll find our Brain Health & Wellness Center and a link to the Staying Sharp program, which offers tools to help support your brain health.