Health and well-being benefits of singing for older people

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of international research evidence on the value of singing for the well-being and health of older people. It draws on a number of recent systematic reviews of the literature on singing, health and well-being, especially studies published over the last ten years. Particular attention is given to the value of singing for older people with long-term health conditions, including respiratory illness, Parkinson’s disease and stroke, people affected directly or indirectly by cancer and finally dementia. It notes an encouraging trend towards larger-scale, controlled studies with an emphasis on measurable outcomes supplemented by the gathering of narrative accounts from older people on the impacts that engagement in singing has had on their lives and a sense of personal and social well-being.