Finding Purpose and Joy Through Music, with Paul and Deanna Stroud

What happens when Parkinson's changes nearly everything you love to do? For Paul and Deanna Stroud, music became an unexpected path back to purpose, connection and joy.

In this episode, the Strouds talk candidly about Parkinson's, grief, caregiving and the losses that come with changing abilities. They also share how the Second Verse Choir, a program for people living with dementia, transformed Paul's outlook and gave him something to look forward to again.

For Paul, music gave him something to look forward to. Rehearsals restored a sense of purpose and belonging, while singing familiar songs created opportunities for connection and engagement. At a time when Paul had been struggling deeply with his sense of meaning, the choir helped him reconnect with life. 

More about Second Verse here: www.secondversechoir.org. 

Giving Voice is another resource for starting a choir in your own community: www.givingvoicechorus.org. 

For more information on AgingIN education opportunities: https://aginginnovation.org/solutions/education/