“Golden Rhythms”

Drumming for Health & Wellness: Senior Edition

This is our “senior edition” of our “Joyful Rhythms” drumming experiences – it’s fun-focused rhythm and connection for the golden years!

Host a Drum Circle for your Retirement, Assisted Living, or Memory Care Communities

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Provide opportunities for neighbors in your retirement community or residents in your senior living facilities (retirement, assisted living, and memory care) to experience the transformative power of rhythm and connection in our fun-focused facilitated, experiential drumming circles.

Let’s PLAY! Drumming for fun!

Our facilitated drum circles weave playful, guided activities with opportunities for creative expression while exploring a variety of instruments from drums to shakers, rattles, bells, and more. Together, we create unforgettable moments filled with laughter and pure fun!

Drumming up smiles at Avila Senior Living – Downtown SLO

Let’s PLAY! Drumming for wellness!

Our drum experiences are not only FUN – they’re also a pathway to well-being based on an integrated model of evidence-based practices which promote a wealth of therapeutic and holistic health benefits for seniors.

Monthly Drum Circle at Sunrise Terrace Retirement Community in Arroyo Grande (private – for residents only).

Research has shown that participating in a drumming circle can provide seniors with a surprisingly fun and engaging way to positively impact physical, cognitive, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of well-being.

Physical Well-being:

- Improved Coordination: Drumming requires the use of both hands and sometimes feet, enhancing motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Increased Energy Levels: The physical activity involved in drumming can boost energy levels and overall vitality.
- Enhanced Immune System: Studies suggest that group drumming can increase the production of disease-fighting white blood cells.
- Pain Management: Drumming has been shown to help manage chronic pain by focusing the mind and producing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

[Video above – drumming rwice monthly at SLO Villages – Oaks and Palms, San Luis Obispo]

Cognitive Well-being:

- Mental Stimulation: Learning and remembering drum patterns can keep the brain active and sharp, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
- Stress Reduction: Drumming can serve as a meditative practice, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression through rhythmic movement and focus.
- Improved Concentration: The focus required for drumming can enhance concentration and mental clarity.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A BRIEF VIDEO “Rhythm and Song Awakens Senior with Dementia”: In this video I am speaking about an example of someone in memory care suddenly awakening after connecting with rhythm and song. It was such a powerful moment. I’m so grateful for bringing this gift of rhythm, music, connection for others to experience.

Creston Village: Assisted Living and Memory Care

Emotional Well-being:

- Elevates Mood: Drumming increases the production of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. This can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety: The rhythmic and repetitive nature of drumming can have a meditative effect, helping to calm the mind and alleviate stress and anxiety. Lowers cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.
- Emotional Release: Creative outlet for emotional expression and release, allowing seniors to channel their feelings through rhythm and sound – particularly valuable for those who may have difficulty with verbal communication.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Learn new skills which boosts self-esteem, self-worth, and confidence.

Drumming at Chumash Village, San Luis Obispo

Social Well-being:

- Community Building: Fosters a sense of community and belonging, combating feelings of loneliness and isolation, bringing seniors together in a shared activity.
- Social Interaction: Provides opportunities for socializing and making new friends, even for those who might typically have difficulty interacting. The act of creating music together encourages interaction and cooperation.

In conclusion, group drumming is a fun, accessible, and therapeutic activity that can significantly improve the lives of seniors by fostering social connections, enhancing emotional well-being, and providing cognitive and physical benefits.

When staff participates, they, too, enjoy the benefits while also building community relations!

Photo (above) Rhythm making with Memory Care residents at Creston Village and Video (below) demonstrating rhythmic entrainment which begins to happen after several minutes of playing

Where are we currently spreading joy every month?

- - The Villages of SLO at The Palms & Oaks in San Luis Obispo (private)
  - Creston Village Assisted Living and Memory Care Center in Paso Robles (private)
  - Casa de Flores Retirement and Assisted Living in Morro Bay (private)
  - Sunrise Terrace Retirement Community in Arroyo Grande (private)
  - Chumash Village Retirement Community in San Luis Obispo (public)

Interested in bringing Drumming for Health & Wellness to your retirement community or senior care facility?

Let’s create meaningful, rhythm-based experiences that nurture the spirit and support well-being — for residents and care teams alike.

You may also be interested in our Rhythm YOUniversity programs which can be included as part of the program.

Serving San Luis Obispo County, CA

Contact Dee DiGioia 805-270-5523

REFERENCE LETTER:

“By way of background, my name is Juliana “Julie” Tacker; I have been a Certified Activity Director in the State of California since 1988. I have had the pleasure of working with all types of individuals in assisted living, skilled nursing, and independent facilities over my long career. Currently, I am the Life Enrichment Director at Creston Village Assisted Living and Memory Care, in Paso Robles, California. In doing so, I have had the pleasure of working with individuals who stand out among others, like Dee DiGioia. It has been a delight to work side-by-side with Dee. Dee will be bringing her drum circle to Creston Village on a bimonthly basis for the foreseeable future. Her passion and dedication are immediately apparent when you meet her. Her gift of rhythm to our residents is emotional, satisfying, and valuable to all. From tapping one’s toe, to getting up and dancing, Dee’s drum circle is fun as much as it is moving. If you are fortunate enough to meet Dee and observe her in the work she loves, you are as lucky a lucy person.”

– Julie Tacker, Life Enrichment Director at Creston Village Assisted Living and Memory Care

Featured in SLO Life Magazine – April 2025

You can see us drumming in this promo for Cuesta Rosa, SLO