Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we live and work while sparking fears about job loss and its potential to harm humanity. But is there a positive side of AI that could benefit seniors?
During the Christmas holidays last year my son introduced me to an AI songwriting app that has given me a new perspective and allowed me to offer songwriting workshops to senior citizens in Canada, Costa Rica, and Japan. Seniors are invited to turn their memories into professionally produced songs by dictating their stories to me and fellow facilitators, which are immediately transformed into songs using a genre of their choosing. By melding life experiences into professional recordings, the workshops inspire creativity and joy while preserving memories that might otherwise be lost. I have repeatedly witnessed how being introduced to AI songwriting technology in this fun and user-friendly way is an empowering experience for seniors.
Santa Ana, Costa Rica: From Memories to Rancheras
My first workshops took place last winter over six sessions at a seniors residence in Santa Ana, Costa Rica. With the support of staff and volunteers, twelve Costa Rican seniors turned their memories into songs using their favourite music genres like rancheras, boleros, and rock.
Occupational therapist Kenneth Fuentes, who facilitated several of the workshops, highlighted the benefits: “Telling and recording their stories brought the residents joy that was carried over even during simple daily tasks. Many participants expressed pride in learning to use digital tools and their families were amazed when they received the links to the songs.” One participant, 88 year old Ronald Jiménez, expressed his excitement. “This is incredible. I’m already thinking of more stories I want to turn into songs.”
The workshops caught the attention of Costa Rica’s National Council for Older Adults (CONAPAN), and invited me to present the experiences at its annual strategy conference later this year. CONAPAN recognized the potential of using AI songwriting workshops as a cost-effective and therapeutic tool to support at-risk seniors, while honouring their life stories.
Calgary, Canada: Language Through Lyrics
Last spring, I conducted two workshops hosted by Immigrant Services Calgary. The workshops helped immigrant seniors from countries such as India, Ukraine, Cuba, China and Afghanistan with English language learning. Creating songs helped them overcome anxieties about communicating in English, created stronger connections in the classroom, and made the classroom feel festive and fun, leading to spontaneity and laughter.
The students enjoyed this workshop so much that they asked for help setting up accounts with the AI app, Suno, so they could continue on their own. Immigrant Services Calgary appreciated the fun of songwriting, saying “your AI songwriting workshop left an incredible impression. Seeing them engaged, smiling, even dancing showed you did more than entertain – it inspired, connected, and uplifted.”
Nagoya, Japan: Songs of Memory and Survival
My next workshop took place on July 31, at the Fuwa Fuwa Seniors Home in Nagoya, Japan. Among the participants was Sukejiro-san, a 93-year-old survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. He turned reflections of his post-war experiences into a heartfelt blues song, creating a powerful and deeply personal testimonial.
I sometimes close workshops by playing (loudly) one of the workshop’s new songs, matched with a new wave or post-punk (my favourite genres). This always gets people smiling and moving. In Nagoya, a 98-year-old joined in the fun from his bed, waving his arms rhythmically to the catchy new wave beats. An impressed staff member told me it was the first time he had done that.
Though the cultural settings, languages and workshop formats differed — from Costa Rican rancheras, to English studies in Calgary, to Japanese blues — the outcome was always the same: seniors embraced the chance to share their stories through music. I’ve been privileged to witness firsthand how these workshops stimulate memory and lift spirits. It’s a cultural and generational bridge that empowers seniors to express themselves and enriches their quality of life.
For those interested in exploring AI-assisted songwriting to the next level, simply visit suno.com. There, you will find an album of songs I created with my 94-year old father, inspired by his family writings.
Later this year I will be in Calgary for more song workshops for seniors hosted by the nonprofit VOICE, and I am also giving workshops online. Visit suno.com to learn more.
Bruce Callow is a Canadian teacher, author & musician based in Costa Rica.