Want to be healthy? Start singing!
Shin Min Daily News, 11 Jan 2025, 想健康？唱起来！（二）
(translated summary)
I recall when I graduated from junior college, at the age of 18, a good friend and I, who was also a student correspondent for Lianhe Zaobao, signed up to join the Singapore Press Holdings Chinese Newspaper Choir with the encouragement of the person in charge, Sister Chunlan. At that time, I wanted to use my vacation to try something that I had never done but always wanted to try, so I took this step.
The members of the choir came from all walks of life and were of different ages. There are school students, young people who have just graduated, office workers who take time to practice after finishing work, and retirees. Although we all had different backgrounds, our love for music brought us together.
What was particularly touching was that, whether they were young members or older retirees, everyone was full of enthusiasm and actively participated in every rehearsal and performance, which made me feel a heartfelt love for life and music. In the choir, we sang many songs in different languages and styles. Among them, the ones that impressed me most were some classic Chinese songs, such as “Ocean, Hometown”. These songs not only have beautiful melodies, but also contain rich emotional and cultural connotations. Every time we rehearsed and performed together, it was an unforgettable collective experience.
A choir is not only a presentation of music, but also a kind of emotional exchange and cultural inheritance. Everyone supports and encourages each other in singing. This united and warm atmosphere makes people feel a strong sense of belonging and satisfaction. Every rehearsal and performance was filled with laughter and energy, and it was an experience I will never forget.
Psychological research has found that one of the biggest benefits of singing in a choir is reducing loneliness and increasing a sense of belonging. Many seniors often feel isolated after retirement or losing a partner. Joining a choir brings them new life goals and social opportunities. A 2013 study by scholars Creech and others found that singing in a choir can significantly improve the emotional flexibility of seniors and reduce loneliness. The experience of making music together deepens relationships and thus promotes mental health.
Singing together can also enhance social connections, bridge generation gaps, provide interaction opportunities for members of different age groups, and promote connections between different age groups. In intergenerational choral projects organised in schools and community centers, seniors share the joy of music with young people, helping to break age stereotypes and promote understanding and respect. I felt this harmonious atmosphere when I was in the choir.
Additionally, singing has significant cognitive benefits. Participating in a choir is a powerful mental exercise that uses multiple areas of the brain. Scholar Pentikäinen and others found in 2021 that regular singing improved the language fluency and flexibility of seniors. Scholar Coulton et al. also pointed out in 2015 that a choir has a significant positive impact on mental health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms.
Whether it is reliving memories through singing together or forging new friendships through singing, singing enriches the lives of seniors. This not only helps maintain cognitive vitality and improves emotional well-being, but also deepens relationships. Let us continue to support senior choir projects to ensure that their singing continues to echo in the community, bringing harmony and joy into the future.
