For long, music has been known to be food for the soul. Recent research, however, shows that music is also good for the brain. Historically, choir has been associated with church morning hymns. However, there seems to be a change in attitude as many people are joining choirs.
Recent research has established that singling improves brain function and creates a greater sense of togetherness, especially in older adults. The study also suggested that singing slows down the process of cognitive decline, especially in aged people. According to scientists, singing is one way that can be used to manage chronic loneliness and cognitive decline.
During the pandemic, loneliness, especially among older people, has been at an all-time high. Restrictive measures introduced to combat the pandemic like quarantine and isolation have added even more loneliness. It is during this moment that people have invested in innovative ways to beat loneliness and remain active.
In a statement, doctoral student and study co-author Emmi Pentikäinen “People have been singing together on balconies and from open windows to lift their mood.”
Greater sense of togetherness
The study conducted by scientists from the University of Helsinki showed that people who had been members of a choir showed a greater sense of togetherness than those who had not been members of a choir. Besides, those who had been members of a choir for some time were happier and showed a greater sense of optimism compared to those who had not participated in a choir.
In this research, scientists observed 106 people who were members of a choir and another 56 who did not belong to any choir. All candidates were aged more than 60 years. From the study, it was established that singing is one way to support the well-being of old people. This is because singing requires regulation of attention and flexible mental function, which are all important in the aging process.
Singing requires versatile processing of information
Singers need to be alert and active when singing as well as versatile information processing. The process combines several activities like motor function, processing diverse sensory stimuli, memorizing melodies and lyrics, linguistic output, and arousing emotions.
