The Health Benefits of Singing

Group therapy, physical therapy, art therapy – move over!  Singing is taking a growing position among health care prescriptions in the UK.  Group singing has been used to help Alzheimer’s patients since 2002, when ‘Singing for the Brain’ (a service sponsored by the UK Alzheimer Society) was founded.  And in 2006 a publication in the Journal of Dementia Care listed the likely benefits of group singing for Alzheimer’s; unfortunately I cannot provide a link to this article, but its well summarized in Medical News Today.  The benefits can be grouped as follows:

• Improved unspoken communication:  the singing warm-up exercises are fun and promote cheerful interaction with other participants.
• Cognition:  concentration, attention, and memory skills are challenged and exercised, especially when complexity is added (e.g. ‘round’ songs).
• Engagement with others:  for example, eye contact across the group and with an audience.
• Confidence: the thrill of achievement is immeasurable; participants become less fearful of failure in the group.
• Relationships: making friends, giving support, and expressing emotions are possibly easier through song.
• Empowerment:  participants often take on practical organizing or physical roles in the mechanics of the group sing.
• Exercise and stress reduction:  the physical exercise of singing should not be underestimated.  And think of the stress reduction obtained by deep exhalations that accompany singing.

One must not forget other health conditions that can benefit from a singing program.  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or COPD, is but one example of a respiratory disorder that can benefit from the breathing control taught in regular singing practice.  Several mental or emotional problems are likely to respond positively to group singing; one thinks of depression or loneliness.  Maybe the enthusiasm in UK for this approach will travel across the Atlantic.  At least it’s a relatively inexpensive activity; it just requires motivated organizers and facilitators.

Comments

[Jane Darwin]

I think even without a supporting research or study, we already have figured out at some point how singing can lighten our spirits. Personally it's sort of therapeutic, not to mention inexpensive way of releasing whatever "negative feelings" we've been keeping inside us.

Jane Darwin
Health News Blog

[Lyndsay]

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