If you’re looking for another way to hold onto or improve your mental health as you age (and we’re all aging, like it or not), look no further. Researchers from around the world continue to study the benefits of group singing.

Preliminary research shows:

• Singing increases the antibodies that are your primary defense against pathogens, especially in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract.
• Singing increases oxygenation in the blood stream.
• Singing stimulates the vagus nerve, which slows the heart and helps singers relax.
• Group Singers had fewer doctor’s visits than those who were not group singing.
• Singers have less depression and fewer new prescription medications.
• In adults over 70 with mild to moderate dementia, 29% experienced improved short-term memory and 89% appeared lucid during the session.
• A study of individuals with moderate to severe dementia showed significant improvement in sociability.
• And finally, female patients with mid-stage dementia experienced increased positive mood and increased appropriate social behavior.

So, if you love to sing, don’t put off joining the choir. We’d love to have you.

Susan White, Committee Chair

(Sources on file at the UUFH office)