Want to be healthy? Start singing!

Shin Min Daily News, 14 Dec 2024, 想健康？唱起来！（一）

(translated summary)

In Singapore’s community parks and activity centres, it is common to see groups of elderly people happily singing karaoke or participating in choirs. Mr Lim, 70, from Toa Payoh, attends choir sessions weekly after his retirement. Smiling, he shares, “Singing brings back wonderful memories and keeps my mind sharp.” While it may seem like just a fun activity, scientific research shows that singing provides numerous benefits for older adults—it not only improves their mood but also helps slow down memory decline.

For many seniors, singing is an important way to express themselves and release emotions. Whether singing karaoke alone or joining a choir, the act of singing brings them joy. A 2020 study found that elderly choir participants not only reconnect with treasured memories through music but also experience a sense of belonging and fulfilment when singing with others.

In Singapore, with the ageing population steadily increasing, singing is becoming an excellent way to help seniors maintain their health and happiness. Whether, like Mr Lim, they are reliving precious memories in a choir or participating in singing activities within the community, singing enriches seniors’ lives and enhances their cognitive and emotional well-being. Let us all encourage the elderly around us to add vitality and joy to their lives through song! These activities not only enrich their lives but also help them make new friends and find their own social circles. For many, these programmes give their later years greater meaning and make their lives more fulfilling.