Possible benefits of singing to the mental and physical condition of the elderly

Abstract

BackgroundThe evaluation and management of stress are important for the prevention of both depression and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the maintenance of the oral condition of the elderly is essential to enable them to stay healthy, especially to prevent aspiration pneumonia and improve mental health in an aging society. Therefore, we examined the efficacy of singing on the oral condition, mental health status, and immunity of the elderly to determine if singing could contribute to the improvement of their physical condition.MethodsForty-four subjects (10 men, 34 women), aged 60 years or older, participated in this study. The efficacy of singing on mental health status and immunocompetence was examined by swallowing function, oral condition, blood, and saliva tests, as well as through questionnaires taken before and after singing.ResultsThe results showed that the amount of saliva increased and the level of cortisol, a salivary stress marker, decreased after singing. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for feeling refreshed, comfortable, pleasurable, light-hearted, relieved, and relaxed; the tension and confusion subscale score; and the total mood disturbance (TMD) score of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) all showed improvements. Furthermore, the same tendencies were shown regardless of whether or not the subjects liked singing.ConclusionsOur results suggest that singing can be effective in improving the mental health and oral condition of the elderly.

Effects of a Randomized Controlled Recurrent Fall Prevention Program on Risk Factors for Falls in Frail Elderly Living at Home in Rural Communities

“…We believe that depression was reduced because the program required subjects to sing familiar songs, such a, folk songs and pop songs, while performing exercises. Thus, we support the inclusion of psychological interventions based on music or laughter therapy in such programs [ 42 ].…”

Effects of compound music program on cognitive function and QOL in community-dwelling elderly

“…The relationship between interventions using music and improvement of cognitive function is as yet unclear. For example, some research results did indicate that interventions using music showed effects on the improvement of vital functions including cognitive function and BPSD in elderly people with and without dementia1, 2, 16,17,18,19 ) . However, other results do not indicate such significant effects on these functions13, 20, 21 ) .…”

“…A previous study reported that singing affects the mental health and oral function of the elderly1 ) and that listening to music or singing is effective in improving cognitive function2 ) and quality of life (QOL)2 ) , and reducing anxiety3 ) in elderly individuals with dementia. Some recent reports suggested that interventions combining music and physical exercise were more effective than listening to music alone.…”

Interdisciplinary collaboration in the use of a music‐with‐movement intervention to promote the wellbeing of people with dementia and their families: Development of an evidence‐based intervention protocol

“…Brotons and Pickett‐Cooper () reported that 20% of participants in their study disliked singing, but did not express any dislike for the MWM modality. This is consistent with the finding of a recent study in which 23% of older participants expressed a dislike of singing when it was required as part of the music therapy (Sakano et al ., ). Gfeller and Hanson () also concluded that participants who took part in movement activities were better able to interact with others than those who had only joined the singing group.…”