In this 1980 song, Seeger sees us through life up and downs, keeping your head up, and going against the grain. For many people, becoming the caretaker to their own aging parent is a terrifying reality. As we age, we take on countless responsibilities. “These days I’m afraid she’s not even sure if her name is Veronica. Costello describes a woman sinking into senility, inspired by his own grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer’s. Now in the Winter of life, or old age, the central character reflects on the “springtime” of his youth and decisions he made. Simon and Garfunkel- “A Hazy Shade of Winter”.Like “Turn, Turn, Turn”, this is another song that uses the ebb and flow of nature as a metaphor for the cycle of life.Its astounding harmonies and melodies speak to seeking balance and acceptance as we age. Written by Pete Seeger, the lyrics of this song help us come to grips with that fact that there’s a time in life for everything: retirement, our kids, leaving home, our parents getting sick, and even death. But can you really spend your life looking in the rearview mirror? “We just sit around talking about the old times/ she says when she feels like crying/ she starts laughing thinking about ”. As we grow older, we find solace in relishing in the good times it helps keep us connected to the people and places we love. Jersey Boy Bruce Springsteen recounts the fun times and innocence of his youth. The quintessential theme to reminiscing about the “good old days”. Essentially about giving up control and living in the moment, the lyrics sing out: “Let us die or let live forever/ We don’t have the power so we never say never” It’s glossy sound makes it seem like an ode to youth, but at closer listen it’s a revelation about the fear of death. This 80s hit is a commentary on aging in disguise. “Doing the garden, digging the weeds, who could ask for more? It reminds us that sharing the “mundane”, not-so-glamorous details of everyday life can sometimes be the greatest gift of all. Famous for its light-hearted, humorous tone, it’s a song about love and growing old together with another person. Paul McCartney originally wrote this song for his father’s birthday, and it’s since become one of the most well known songs about aging. “A touch of Grey/ kind of suits you any way”. “I will get by/ I Will survive” is a triumphal statement about perseverance and resilience in life and old age. The Grateful Dead – “A Touch of Grey”.Witty and sarcastic, “Touch of Grey” was an epic success on the coattails of the Grateful Dead’s long career.The song assumes a touching perspective as Young sees himself within an aging ranch hand, “Old man take a look at my life / I’m a lot like you.” It’s points out the hopes, fears, and desire we all have about getting older – the fear of loneliness, the desire to be loved, a yearning for longevity. Ironically enough, Bowie christened his self-imposed retirement with this song.

Fight as you may, no matter how hard you, try time passes and everyone ages, “Turn and face the strain / Ch- ch- changes…./ Time may change me/ But I can’t trace time”.

Much like Bowie himself, the song is a timeless piece of glam-rock history.

David Bowie- “Changes”. Some people think David Bowie will never grow old, but this song is a reminder that change is inevitable.

Now it seems to mean “I hope I stay young until I die” – perfectly exemplifying the Baby Boom generation. When The Who first conceived of the lyrics “I hope I die before I get old,” it meant “I hope I die before I become rich and corrupt”. While it’s often regarded as an anthem for teenage rebellion, it’s a raw rock-and-roll story about the fear of getting older.

In no particular order, here are 15 of the best songs about growing older that any boomer will love: The documentary “Alive Inside” shows the power of music to “awaken” those with dementia. There are several ways to incorporate principles of music therapy into activities at home with any senior. Research shows that music stimulates brain pathways in Alzheimer’s patients - arousing memory, alleviating depression, and bringing an extreme sense of comfort.

For dementia sufferers, music has the power to heal. Through song, we can gain insight into the universal process of aging and feel a part of something larger than ourselves. It helps us face big issues: births, deaths, familial, financial, and physical changes. Rhythm and melody also have a special way of tapping into the hopes, joys, fears, and challenges of growing older and aging. It has the uncanny ability to carry us through times to make us laugh and cry. Music brings us along for the ride of our lives. As adults, songs attach themselves to significant mile markers: a first kiss, a fun vacation, or when a child is born. As children, we’re cooed to sleep by lullabies.

How old is rock your body song