Choral Singing Helps Lower Depression and Anxiety Risk in Seniors
Choral Singing Helps Lower Depression and Anxiety Risk in Seniors
Choral singing is more than a joyful pastime; it is also a powerful tool to support mental health as we age. In an article for PsyPost, Choral Singing May Reduce Risk of Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults, writer Vladimir Hedrih reported on a study from Singapore, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, that explored how group singing impacts mental health in older adults. The study found that weekly choral singing sessions over two years reduced the risk of developing depression and anxiety. Interestingly, Hedrih noted that after two years, the benefits of singing were comparable to those experienced by a group that had only attended weekly health education sessions. While both approaches yielded positive outcomes in lowering depression and anxiety among the participants, the means were different, demonstrating that singing in a choral group alone yields several social, emotional, and cognitive benefits.
Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health concerns in older adults. Depression can manifest as low mood, fatigue, withdrawal from social activities, or slowed thinking, while anxiety often brings constant worry, tension, or sleep disturbances. These conditions can go unnoticed in older populations, as their symptoms are sometimes mistaken for normal aging or attributed to physical illness.
Addressing depression and anxiety is critical, as they are linked to reduced quality of life, cognitive decline, and even higher mortality rates. Risk factors include chronic illness, loss of loved ones, social isolation, and declining independence. That’s why researchers are eager to find engaging, non-stigmatizing ways to promote mental health in later life, and choral singing is one such approach.
In the Singapore study that Hedrih highlighted, 200 cognitively healthy older adults were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a weekly choral singing group or a health education program (HEP). Both programs lasted for two years. The singing group welcomed beginners and gradually built their skills, moving from basic vocal technique to singing in harmony. The health education group received weekly talks on topics like nutrition, dementia awareness, and fall prevention, with group discussions designed to encourage social interaction.
Researchers tracked mental health outcomes using well-established screening tools, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI), at the start of the study, after 12 months, and after 24 months. Both groups showed significant reductions in the likelihood of screening positive for depression and anxiety by the end of the study. The health education group showed earlier improvements at 12 months, while the choral singing group’s benefits appeared more gradually, becoming fully evident by 24 months.
What makes choral singing a compelling option is that it combines multiple mental health boosters into one enjoyable activity:
Emotional Expression: Singing allows participants to process and express emotions.
Relaxation: Controlled breathing and posture can calm the nervous system.
Social Connection: Singing together creates a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Cognitive Engagement: Learning songs and harmonies keeps the brain stimulated.
Hedrih emphasized that the study’s findings place choral singing on par with health education programs in supporting mental health, with the added bonus that singing is a joyful and creative experience. Communities looking for innovative wellness programs for seniors should consider adding group singing to their offerings.
Whether you are an experienced chorister or a beginner who has never sung outside the shower, joining a choir is a powerful step toward better mental health. The act of making music with others engages the mind, lifts the spirit, and builds community, proving that sometimes, the best medicine really is to raise your voice in song.