It’s no surprise that music does something to us- whether it brings back happy memories like Fleetwood Mac’s “Gypsy” does for me, or stirs up feelings of sadness, there is no denying that music’s ability to make us feel any emotion is quite profound. It’s been proven that the brain lights up when exposed to music, and interestingly, the part of the brain that processes both music and memories is last to be affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia. With these facts in mind, social worker Dan Cohen set out to revitalize patients in nursing homes and awaken their memories with one simple thing: an iPod. The outcome of his efforts is incredible, and the subject of director Michael Rossato-Bennett’s award-winning documentary, Alive Inside.

As the film points out, the ratio of doctors to patients is overwhelmingly skewed in nursing homes, and not in the patients favor, so personalized attention is nearly impossible. Cohen leads the audience to a main room of the center, where seniors are sitting in wheelchairs, watching TV; basically, just existing.

One man in particular, 94-year-old Henry, has been a resident for 10 years and every day, he sits with his eyes shut and head down in his chair. A nurse explains that Henry has never been an animated personality, and prefers to sit alone. It’s a tragic scene, heartbreaking really, knowing that this is the way many seniors are living out their final days. However, as Cohen explains, this doesn’t have to be the case.

Not only is Alive Inside  a tightly executed film, its’ screening at this year’s Sundance Film Festival took home the Audience Award in the Documentary Category.

As soon as Cohen places the headphones over Henry’s ears and pushes play on the iPod, it’s as if Henry falls into a trance. With his eyes open wide, he lifts his head, and miraculously, begins to sing. This is just one moment out of many shared in the film, which walks a fine line between documentary and educational.

This is director Michael Rossato-Bennett’s first feature film, and his passion for the subject matter is obvious. Not only is Alive Inside a tightly executed film, its’ screening at this year’s Sundance Film Festival took home the Audience Award in the documentary category.

We are all made to age, but unfortunately, our culture tries to defy it at any cost. Instead of embracing this stage of life, many disregard it or write it off as “the end.” But who’s to say that “the end” shouldn’t be full of memories as well? Cohen’s introduction to individual music players as a form of healthcare will forever be a life-enhancing resource, just as Alive Inside will enhance the lives of the audience. One thing’s for sure, it will give new meaning to your personal playlists.