Singing seniors have better mental health

Not only is singing in the shower or when cooking a meal a fun pastime, it now appears that it can give mental health a boost as well.

Researchers at Canterbury Christ Church University identified that singing was capable of improving mental health scores in older adults when analysing 240 volunteers.

The subjects, who were all over the age of 60, were split into two groups, with one taking part in singing sessions every week over a period of three months. The others did no such activity.

It was found that those who participated in group singing improved their mental health scores after the trial period, and reduced their anxiety and depression. What's more, quality of life was improved.

Professor Stephen Clift, director of research at the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, commented: "Our research has not only cemented previous studies that pointed to an increase in health benefits from community singing programmes, but also demonstrated that singing programmes are a cost-effective method of health promotion against NHS measures."

With many older adults known to experience feelings of loneliness, joining a singing group is a great way to put an end to social isolation.

Read about support and personalised care at Barchester care homes for anyone with mental health concerns.