Well-Being Through Song: A Biopsychosocial Examination of Singing in Community Dwelling Older Adults

The present study examined changes in well-being over single sessions of group singing as compared to musical (band) and non-musical (bridge club) control group activities. One hundred and eleven older adults (mean age = 73 years, SD = 8.26) recruited from seniors’ recreation centers completed measures of well-being before and after singing (n =48), band (n = 31), or card (n = 32) activities. Singing demonstrated benefits beyond the other leisure activities, including a trend to increase in positive affect (PA) while control groups significantly decreased, and a unique significant increase in vitality. Past research was extended upon through exploration of mechanisms of the association between singing and well-being. PA was found to mediate the association between singing and social bonding. These findings may provide valuable information about benefits of singing and cost-effective programs to enhance well-being in older adults.