I was talking to a friend regarding my hobby (obsession) of collecting super 8mm films and the discussion turned to my Mum and Father in Law who are both knocking on the door of '90' and that they always talk about 'things that happened in the past'. I looked on the internet and found this:-
Why Movies Are Good for Alzheimer’s
Most of us have a favorite movie or two. What we want to watch can depend on our mood. Understandably, we often associate a film or TV show with the good (or bad) times in our lives.
For people with Alzheimer’s, those links between certain movies and memories are not necessarily lost. In fact, movies can help bring back some of the best memories and even spark conversation. Whether they like black and white films, westerns, musicals or another genre, seniors with Alzheimer’s can benefit from watching movies and TV shows as a regular activity.
Choosing the Right Movie or TV Show
A good movie experience can leave a person with Alzheimer’s in a better mood and more engaged with others. It can also help bridge generations, giving grandparents and grandchildren something to share.
How do you choose the right movie or TV show for a loved one with Alzheimer’s? Generally, it is a good idea to find movies that are:
•Fun and upbeat
•Shorter in length (under two hours)
•Not violent and do not portray serious illness or death
•Simpler in terms of plot and number of characters
Recommended Viewing for Alzheimer’s Patients
A Place for Mom asked our Facebook fans what movies and television shows their loved ones with Alzheimer’s enjoy. By far, musicals (and any TV shows with music) received the most recommendations. Some favorite actors include Shirley Temple, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Doris Day, Elvis Presley and Humphrey Bogart.
Here are the top suggestions on films and TV shows for seniors with Alzheimer’s:
•The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968)
•Bonanza (1959-1973)
•Calamity Jane (1953)
•Camelot (1967)
•The Carol Burnett Show (1967-1978)
•Grumpy Old Men (1993)
•Guys and Dolls (1955)
•I Love Lucy (1951-1957)
•It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
•The Lawrence Welk Show (1955-1982)
•Leave it to Beaver (1957-1963)
•Paint Your Wagon (1969)
•Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
•The Sound of Music (1965)
•The Waltons (1971-1981)
•West Side Story (1961)
•The Wizard of Oz (1939)
What struck me was the fact that the audience would benefit from 'shorter' films and of course a lot of the films 'we' have are digests and the list of films certainly contains films that are available on 8mm.
I'm going to see what is required to show films at a OAP's home as the films are only licensed for 'home use' and whether there are other restrictions etc. but maybe, if you have already done this give me some pointers - I would be grateful.