Isolated older adults find joy and connection through virtual singing
a year ago
- #aging
- #singing
- #mental-health
- Virtual group singing benefits well-being and social connection for adults over 55, including those with neurocognitive disorders like dementia.
- Singing engages neurophysiological processes, improving respiratory control, emotional regulation, motor control, lung capacity, posture, and physical health.
- For individuals with neurocognitive disorders, singing offers an alternative means of expression and facilitates communication.
- Two group-singing interventions were studied: a sing-along series and a structured choir, both showing high satisfaction among participants.
- Sing-alongs evoked emotional resonance through positive memories, while choir participation promoted intellectual engagement.
- Virtual singing could benefit rural populations, those with mobility limitations, or social anxiety beyond the pandemic.