Local Student Teaches Seniors in their 90s How to Play Piano

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It’s never too late to learn a new hobby or reach for your dreams, not even in your 90s, and thanks to a local student in Princeton, that’s exactly what’s happening for seniors in the area.

Every Saturday afternoon, 16-year-old Woodbridge Academy Magnet School student Pranayaa Jeyaraman is on hand at Maplewood at Princeton – a vibrant senior living community – teaching residents how to play the piano.

But this month is also National Volunteer Month, and as a thank you to their volunteers, Maplewood at Princeton is honoring Pranayaa and other volunteers on April 27th with an appreciation luncheon, a certificate, and a special gift hand-made by Maplewood residents.

For Pranayaa, the joy of working with the residents, many of whom receive personalized assisted living and Memory Care assistance, is thanks enough: “Being able to teach the residents at Maplewood helps me share my love for piano and music. The residents (students) that I work with inspire me. They have shown me that it is never too late to learn. We all need to keep learning because knowledge can always grow,” remarks Pranayaa.

As for the residents, their reactions are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Take for instance

93-year-old resident Juanita Nevola who has dreamed of pursuing the piano since a young age: “When I was a little girl, we had a piano. But only my brother got lessons. I fiddled with the keys and I taught myself “Mary Had A Little Lamb,” said Juanita. “My children are so happy I’m taking lessons that they got me a keyboard of my very own, so I can practice in between lessons,” Juanita adds.

Angela Mattson, another one of Pranayaa’s students in her 90s, shares, “It has always been my dream, since I was a young girl, to play the piano,” says Angela. But I was one of 14 children, so there wasn’t enough money for lessons. Now that this opportunity has been given to me, I say, ‘Why not?’ I need to try.”

Pranayaa’s third student Cynthia Hendrickson, decided to sign up for piano to improve her cognition. “I’m really enjoying learning piano with Pranayaa. I appreciate how patient she is with me. When I wanted to sign up for lessons, it was because I wanted to do something to increase my cognition.”

Pranayaa's profound influence on the Maplewood at Princeton community is evident, showcasing the transformative impact of volunteerism. Looking forward, both Pranayaa and Maplewood eagerly anticipate expanding her program to their Memory Care neighborhood.

About Maplewood Senior Living

Maplewood Senior Living is known for its upscale senior living residences, offering a broad range of premier services, amenities, and care to its residents. Based in Westport, CT, Maplewood Senior Living has 16 senior living communities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio. There are New York City and Washington D.C. locations within the company’s newest brand, Inspīr. This new senior living offering was launched to provide a luxurious option for seniors looking to join a residential community in major metropolitan areas. 203-557-4777 or http://www.maplewoodseniorliving.com.

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