Singing Has a Positive Impact on Health

Article written by guest writer Rin Mitchell

What’s the Latest Development?

According to researchers, singing groups are a cost-effective way to promote a health lifestyle among older people. The study is the world’s first randomized and controlled trial examining the health benefits of a singing community. And “the two year research project assessed the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness for older people taking part in singing groups and the impact it has on their physical and mental health.”

What’s the Big Idea?

Singing is a great way to maintain mental and overall health, and it is economical. Researchers observed a group of older people participating in weekly singing sessions over a 90-day period, and another group of people who did not participate in singing sessions. The study revealed “an increase in the mental health component score on a validated health measure amongst the group of singers. It also revealed significantly reduced anxiety and depression scores on a separate widely used NHS measure amongst the singing group.”