Love to Sing

Why Is Singing So Good For You?

Let’s be clear, you don’t need to be the next Adele to get the benefits. Research shows that simply singing in a group, regardless of ability, can be a serious boost to both mood and cognition.

• Singing improves memory. Studies suggest that musical engagement can stimulate multiple areas of the brain at once, including those responsible for language, memory, and emotional processing. In fact, research published in The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that singing can significantly improve memory recall in people with dementia especially when songs are familiar or linked to personal history.
• It helps reduce anxiety, depression and loneliness. Group singing has been associated with a release of endorphins and oxytocin “feel-good” hormones that lower stress and increase social bonding. Singing in a supportive setting literally helps you feel more connected and less alone, which is crucial for mental health particularly in older age or after a period of isolation. We have spoken before about the health implications of loneliness on older adults, please do read our blog for more information.
• It keeps the brain agile. Like learning a new skill or language, singing challenges the brain to coordinate breath, rhythm, pitch, and lyrics. Neuroscientists have found that music engages both hemispheres of the brain, strengthening cognitive flexibility and even delaying cognitive decline.
• It lifts your spirits. The act of singing, especially in a group brings so much joy. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology concluded that regular group singing was “uniquely effective” in boosting wellbeing and reducing feelings of loneliness.