It’s that time of the year, Valentine’s Day! My older adults enjoy listening to love songs, musicals, country songs, and various songs of the 30s, 40s, and 50s, but this week they have all been in the mood for love! I thought it would be interesting to take a survey of their all-time favorite love songs.

I was able to compile a list of the Top 20 Love Songs for Older Adults. Many of these songs I sing on a regular basis in my music therapy sessions since everyone tends to know them and can associate particular memories or feelings with them. Love songs tend to tap into forgotten memories and bring out a lot of emotions which can be processed and reflected on during music therapy sessions.

Here’s the Top 20 Love Songs for Older Adults:

“I’m in the Mood for Love” by Frank Sinatra “L.O.V.E.” by Nat King Cole “Love Letter in the Sand” by Pat Boone “A You’re Adorable” (The Alphabet Song) “Cant Help Falling in Love With You” by Elvis Presley “I love you a bushel and a peck” by Doris Day “Let me Call You Sweetheart” “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin “Tip Toe Through the Tulips” “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” by Doris Day “Moonlight Bay” “Peg O’ My Heart” “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole “My Girl” by The Temptations “As Time Goes By” by Frank Sinatra “Dream A Little Dream of Me” by Ella Fitgerald “Love me Tender” by Elvis Presley “Bicycle Built for Two” “In the Good Old Summertime” “You Are My Sunshine”

I hope this helps anyone looking for some new love songs or some fresh music therapy session ideas!

What are some of your favorite love songs for older adults?

Where words fail, music speaks…

-Courtney