When Lydia and Andy Pender first moved into their new apartment, the sound of music caught their attention. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that a next-door neighbor was the source of the sound. Curious, they introduced themselves. Turns out, their then 97-year-old neighbor, Derek Peart, loves to play the piano. Unfortunately, his hearing aids weren’t set properly, though, so it made hearing the piano difficult.
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Luckily, Lydia and Andy were quick to help adjust his hearing aids. This interaction alone meant the world to Derek, but it was far from their last. The more they got to know Derek, the more they loved him. In fact, the three of them have become close friends, sharing a “dinner and show” every month. Catch a glimpse of their wholesome get togethers in the video below.
@honolululyd dinner and a show 🍕🍻🍰🎹 we did our first LIVE with Derek tonight, keep watching to see us tell him how much love he got during his performance! #piano #pianomusic #pianocover #music #musician #musiciansoftiktok #musicislife #musicislove #musicheals #hawaiitiktok #hawaii #hawaiitok #elderly #elderlylove #neighbors #neighborlylove #dinnerandashow ♬ original sound – lyds
“I often ask if he’d like me to keep posting, and he says, ‘Post it all!’ ” Lydia says. “He loves it and can’t believe the reach it has. He can’t believe I basically have ‘a little TV’ in my hands. He says he can’t believe he’s famous at this age.”
The couple first met Derek last year, but their friendship with the now 98-year-old is still going strong. And with his permission, they love to share his talent and joy for music with folks all around the world. To best appreciate Derek, however, there’s more you need to know about him.
Couple Befriends Their Elderly Neighbor, Who is Still a Talented Piano Player at 98 Years Old
By the time Derek joined the British Navy as a pilot, he had already moved on from music. In fact, the only time he took piano lessons was when he was a child. But as an adult, Derek eventually realized he has quite a natural talent. This was proven in his ability to play just about anything from memory. Now, Derek continues to play the Yamaha piano his late wife, Mickey, bought for him. And what good use he’s getting out of it!
“We want to live next to Derek and enjoy his company as long as we can,” Lydia shares. “He’s extremely passionate about music and says it has kept him alive.”
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