Impact of group-singing on older adult health in senior living communities: A pilot study. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fu, Musetta C.; Belza, Basia; Nguyen, Huong; Logsdon, Rebecca; Demorest, Steven
• Is Part Of: Archives of gerontology and geriatrics. Volume 76(2018)
• Page Start: 138
• Page End: 146
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Older adult -- Singing -- Cognition -- Breathing exercises -- Health promotion; Aging -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 305.26
• DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2018.02.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-4943

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Participating in a group-singing program may be beneficial to healthy aging through engaging in active music-making activities and breathing exercises. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a 12-week group singing program on cognitive function, lung health and quality of life (QoL) of older adults. Materials and methods: A pre and post-test quasi-experimental design evaluated the impact of a group-singing program on older adult health. The intervention consisted of pre-singing exercises, song-singing and learning, and socialization. Classes were 75 min/week for 12 weeks. Inclusion criteria were age ≥60, no self-reported diagnosis of dementia, and able to hear conversations within 2 feet. Participants were recruited from 3 senior living communities. Outcome measures included cognition, lung function, QoL, and program feasibility and acceptability. A paired t -test with 2-sided alpha level at 0.05 was used to test the null hypotheses. Results: We enrolled 49 participants (mean age 83.6). Forty-two (86%) completed the posttests and exit survey. At the 12th week there was significant improvement in phonological (p < 0.0001) and animal (p = 0.0004) semantic Verbal Fluency Tests, immediate Word Recall Test (p < 0.0001), Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (p = 0.0001), Maximum Expiratory Pressure (p < 0.0001), and in-session oxygen saturation (p = 0.03). Program satisfaction was rated, on average, 9 on a 10-point scale. Conclusion: A group-singing program with deep breathing training and song-learning may promote memory, language, speech information processing, executive function, and respiratory muscle strength in older adults. The program was feasible and well-accepted. A clinical trial with a larger sample is indicated.