Former DJ Dad misses energy and entertainment of radio years

Dear Live Grand:

I’m trying to help my 82-year-old dad who’s in assisted living get some joy back in his life. Dad has memory slips that will become worse over time. He was a radio DJ when he was young and then moved to management, but it’s his DJ years that he talks about with longing. I’ve made playlists with music from those years but it’s not the same because he doesn’t feel involved. I’ve played radio for him but the stations with older music are repetitive and don’t have that classic vibe. I’m afraid he wants to be part of something that no longer exists. Could a GrandPad give him more?
– PH

Dear PH:

Even without memory challenges, it's normal for people to reminisce about times that were dear to them. You’re smart to attempt to recreate your dad's DJ years, and we’re excited to say that a GrandPad could be a big part of making this happen.

Let’s start with the basics. GrandPad tablets are large enough for older hands to hold comfortably and the apps are easy to use. There's a convenient camera, and the speakers are located on the front of the tablet. The sound is easily adjustable.

While there are many features on the GrandPad that your dad would enjoy, it’s the radio app we want to tell you about now because this could be the magic you are seeking to help enhance his precious memories.

GrandPad offers radio stations chosen for their classic feel. There’s even a specific GrandPad Radio station with music and talk supplied through carefully curated streaming websites. Any of the various stations would likely give your dad a boost, but the biggest winner for him might be Radio Recliner. These DJs live in different retirement facilities around the country, so they are just like him. They share stories and songs from the comfort of their recliners as they record their Internet shows by phone. Any retiree can participate by calling in to tell a story and dedicate a song. This means live requests like when he was a DJ, and he could participate in that!

Related to his DJ background, he may enjoy having access to “Today in History,” as well as articles about sports and media history. There’s a weather app that would not only inform him about his own weather but that of his contacts, so he’d have a handy weather report.

If you know of any friends and colleagues from your dad’s radio days who may enjoy chatting, the family admin could contact them and see if they'd like to connect with your dad on video calls. Reminiscing with these old friends about their radio days could provide wonderful entertainment.

We envision your dad not only taking part in Radio Recliner by himself but also sharing it with others in his assisted living. They could have a gathering while listening to the shows and pass the tablet around to make requests. We’d love to hear how he likes it!

Live Grand is a weekly column brought to you by GrandPad — the simplest, safest tablet-based solution that helps reconnect families.