It is common knowledge that maintaining good health can be done by eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, having strong, supportive social relationships, and being physically active. Thus, it may surprise you to know that we can also enjoy good health by singing. Singing is known to provide many benefits for seniors. If you want to learn how your elderly loved ones can use singing to improve their physical and mental health, be sure to read on.
Singing Is a Form of Exercise
Exercise can improve your loved ones’ mental and physical health because it keeps their muscles active and boosts their mood. Do you know that singing is an excellent form of exercise? When your loved ones are singing, their lungs contract and expand, their facial and abdominal muscles are utilized, and their diaphragms get activated. All these moving muscle parts ensure that their bodies are getting a good workout while they belt out their favorite tunes.
Singing Enhances Memory
A great memory is an indication of good mental health, and your loved ones can stimulate and improve their memory through singing. Our brains have a fantastic ability to store song lyrics. Interestingly, the brain not only stores the lyrics and tunes of songs but also saves memories that are associated with the songs. Therefore, engaging in singing activities can trigger memories for your loved ones and allow them to relive the good old times.
Singing Boosts the Immune System
The immune system helps us to fight off ailments before they take root in our bodies. Do you know that an activity as simple as singing can help boost our immune system? A University of Frankfurt study highlighted the results of singing on the immune system. In the study, a group of professional choristers was tested before and after their singing rehearsal. It was then discovered that they had more antibodies in their bodies after their rehearsal! Hence, singing can help improve your loved one’s immune system.
Singing Improves Self-Confidence
If your loved ones are shy or reserved, engaging in singing can help them boost their self-confidence and empower them to open up to people. If there are opportunities for them to sing in public, their love for singing can help them overcome their shyness. Likewise, when folks praise their singing, they will gain self-confidence. If your loved ones love to sing, you can encourage them to join senior choir groups. By meeting with fellow singers, they can connect with like-minded people, enhance their communication skills and get used to interacting with others in social situations.
Singing Boosts Mood and Relieves Stress
Generally, every time your loved ones sing a tune, their bodies will release endorphins which can boost their happiness levels. The presence of endorphins in the body is also known to relieve stress. If you encourage your loved ones to embrace singing as a regular activity, it will help them boost their mood, keep negative emotions away and lower their stress levels, ensuring that they enjoy good mental and emotional health.
