Radio reminiscence

If you haven't come across M4D Radio yet, it's a group of five themed radio stations available digitally, via the internet, '24 hours a day, 365 days a year, playing music that evokes memories. Choose your era, listen and enjoy…'

I clicked on the button 'Born after 1955'. listened for a while and soon found myself humming along to the likes of Joe Cocker, Van Morrison and the Rolling Stones.

Select any era from the 1930s through to the 1970s, or opt for the M4D Mix, which does what it says – gives you a variety of music from before World War II onwards in segments, for example:

00:00 – 08:00 Smooth sounds

08:00 – 10:00 Music and Memories – a selection of sounds from yesteryear

10:00 – 11:00 Songs to sing and enjoy

11:00 – 12:30 Dance, move and enjoy

12:30 – 13:00 Little Richard

13:00 – 14:00 Music from the musicals

14:00 – 15:00 Music and memories – a selection of sounds from yesteryear

15:00 – 18:00 Smooth sounds

18:00 – 20:00 Music and memories – a selection of sounds from yesteryear

20:00 – 24:00 Smooth sounds

Think BBC Radio 2 from the 1980s (without the presenters' chat) and you have a flavour of what you'll hear!

Organisers say, 'We believe in the power of music for people living with dementia and those who care for them. M4D radio is part of the Music for Dementia campaign to make music available to everyone living with dementia. Our ambition is to make music freely available and a part of everyone’s care plan.

'We are developing the content with our listeners to make sure it’s what you want and need. The themed shows and era-specific stations are a result of careful collaboration with our close partners.

'Music is a wonderful connector and has the ability to bring people together in the here and now. It can enliven, stimulate and enable people living with dementia to express themselves creatively through musical engagement.

'Research shows – and lived experiences demonstrate – that music can help reduce the often distressing symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, apathy and anxiety.'

Try the benefits for yourself…