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Red Membership Card

AARP MEMBERSHIP

Join AARP for just $15 for your first year when you sign up for automatic renewal. Gain instant access to exclusive products, hundreds of discounts and services, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.

collage of musicians performing in concert as well as regular people dancing and playing instruments

Music and Memory

Music has immense power. Its melodies can unite us emotionally, and its rhythms can move us physically. Though it’s been around for thousands of years, researchers are still learning about the potential benefits of music, including its effect on the brain and our memories. This project looks at the extraordinary role music plays in our lives and on our health.

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In This Music and Memory Series

collage of music artists and accessories including headphones a turntable music notes and a boombox

The Extraordinary World of Music and the Mind

It can remind you of the best days of your life, and it can even make those who remember little sing again

an older persons right hand playing on the keys of a piano

The #1 Reason to Pick Up an Instrument After 50

Brain benefits abound when learning to read and play music later in life

ringo starr making a peace sign

Ringo Starr Discusses His Musical Memories

The sounds that remind Ringo of his father and the Beatles tracks that take him back

smiling woman listening to music on headphones

Music on Our Minds

A report from AARP's Global Council on Brain Health examines how music influences brain health

collage of album covers and musical artists including ten thousand maniacs and singer natalie merchant jimi hendrix tim mc graw eric clapton dave grohl of the foo fighters and the thirteenth floor elevator

The Song That Changed My Life

Eleven people share their stories of music that had a profound impact on their lives

a woman playing an instrument while another woman listens on a green chair

Video: Unlocking Memories With Music

Concetta Tomaino demonstrates the power of music

a man with a guitar in a brown shirt and a cowboy hat next to two other men hugging

Video: 'Singing Cowboy’ Comforts People at the End of Their Lives

Watch this musician share his gift with others

a man with glasses smiling with music notes behind him

Video: How Music Can Keep Your Brain Healthy

AARP's Global Council on Brain Health shares tips on how you can engage your mind with song and dance

collage of musicians

Marking the Milestones With Music

A soundtrack to 70-plus years, from AARP’s The Ethel

man playing the violin

New to Classical Music? Try These 6 Pieces

Want to love classical music, but aren’t sure where to start? AARP’s The Girlfriend has you covered

woman listening to headphones

6 Benefits of Singing

From helping to ease pain to improving mood and more, from AARP’s Sisters

Test Your Musical Memories: Match the Lyrics to the Song

elvis presley performs on stage

1950s Music Lyrics Quiz

With songs from Elvis, Chuck Berry and more

smokey robinson performs

1960s Music Lyrics Quiz

Seriously groovy lyrics from Smokey Robinson, the Mamas & the Papas and others

the bee gees perform on stage

1970s Music Lyrics Quiz

Boogie down with lyrics from the Bee Gees, the Eagles and more

madonna performs on tour

1980s Music Lyrics Quiz

Can you identify these radical lyrics from Madonna, U2 and others?

More on Music and Memory

closeup of a vinyl album on a record player

Visit AARP's online program with content on brain health, including the benefits of music

tony bennett thinking

Tony Bennett's Battle With Alzheimer's

For years, the singer and his family kept his secret. They broke their silence in 2021 for AARP readers

woman singing and dancing to music on her headphones on the street

Make a Playlist

Make your own thematic playlist with AARP's SongTheme tool

closeup of part of a funk band onstage with a singer and horn section and drummer in backgroudn

Attend a Free AARP Music Event

AARP’s Virtual Community Center hosts music-themed events, including an upcoming rock 101 class

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LIMITED TIME OFFER

Labor Day Sale

Join AARP for just $11 per year with a 5-year membership. Plus, get a second membership FREE for anyone in your household! Expires 9/9

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