Nostalgia-Driven Music Engagement for Joyful Aging
Sep 19, 2025 — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
This event is part of the Music and Health Research Institute speaker series.
Event description
The presentation will share how Music and Memory Junction has curated dementia friendly musical programming for seniors, which combines music with lifelong learning and cognitive stimulation activities so the the program is entertaining, engaging, educational and empowering across all levels of cognition.
Speaker
Namrata Bagaria
Namrata Bagaria is a physician, public health expert, and PhD candidate at the University of Ottawa specializing in digital innovation for aging. She is the co-founder of Music and Memory Junction (formerkly called Seniors Junction), which uses nostalgia-based music engagement to enhance cognitive and emotional well-being in older adults. A published poet and educator, Namrata blends science, creativity, and cultural insight to reimagine how we care for seniors worldwide.
Speaker
Paul A. Merkeley
Paul A. Merkley is a professor emeritus from University of Ottawa’s music department and is now cofounder & COO of Music and Memory Junction. An emeritus humanities professor, he holds a PhD from Harvard University and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. A childless widower, he finds his purpose in community education and focuses his energy on the acute problem of senior isolation. He believes in people and purpose.
Contact us
Music and Health Research Institute
University of Ottawa
50 University Private
Perez Hall, Room 204
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1N 6N5
Tel: 613-562-5800 ext.2704
[email protected]
