Seminar looks at the power of music on older people

08/05/2008

The effects of singing on the health and well being of older people will be explored at a free public seminar on Tuesday 13th May at the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health in Folkestone. The event is based on a pilot project called the Silver Songs Club - a scheme which operates over 30 song clubs across the South East for people who may be socially isolated or suffering from the effects of age related health problems.

 

Senior health lecturer, Dr Hilary Bungay, who will present the findings on the project explained: "The Silver Song Clubs Project was set up in answer to a Government drive to improve the health and wellbeing of older people, and our aim has been to explore the benefits of these clubs.  We observed music sessions, interviewed those who ran the clubs as well as participants, and held focus group discussions with volunteers from local singing groups who assisted in the project.  

 

"Participants have told us that the clubs boosted their feelings of happiness, significantly improved their mental health and physical wellbeing, developed their memory, recall and cognition - and encouraged social interaction.  Ultimately our findings suggest that, through the power of music, older people's quality of life can be dramatically improved."

 

The free seminar will take place between 1pm and 3pm. To book a place, contact Isobel Salisbury at the Sidney De Haan Research Centre on 01303 220870.