THE sound of music will emanate from not-for-profit aged care home Mercy Place Lathlain on International Music Day when Antonio Capone sits down with his carer to commence another piano lesson, proving that age is no limit to learning something new.
Music has always been a huge part of the 80-year-old’s life, even as a small boy when he was growing up in Naples in Italy.
By his own admission he has always loved to sing and dance, and is now keen to add piano playing to his repertoire.
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READ NOWMr Capone, who immigrated to WA in 1965, moved into the Mercy Place three years ago after his mobility became limited.
“We used to go dancing every single Saturday night,” Mr Capone’s wife Margherita said.
“In fact Antonio used to do the splits on the dance floor, we had such a great time, we used to go along with his brothers as they all loved singing, dancing and music as much as he did.”
Now Mr Capone sits down several times a week with his carer Hiromi Tsutsui, who is teaching him to play the piano.
“Although he has dementia, he always enjoys singing and we love the fact that he still has music in his life,” said Mrs Capone.
Mercy Place Lathlain Service Manager Surabh Nair said the therapeutic effect of music for seniors, particularly those living with Alzheimer’s and other related conditions, couldn’t be overstated.
“Generally speaking, music is an incredible trigger for emotions and memories from our past to emerge,” he said.
“On International Music Day, and in fact throughout the week, we are delighted that Antonio is still able to enjoy music, as he has done throughout his life, and we are very encouraging of him learning to play the piano.”
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