The Silver Song Club Project: singing to promote the health of older people

Attention has recently been drawn to the contribution of the arts, and of singing in particular, to health and wellbeing. This article describes a qualitative research project which aimed to gain participants’ views of taking part in Silver Song Clubs – community-based singing groups for older people. Seventeen individuals aged 60-plus from six clubs were interviewed and a number of benefits were identified. These included: enjoyment; better mental health and wellbeing; increased social interaction; improvements in physical health; cognitive stimulation and learning; and improved memory and recall. It is suggested that such benefits sit well within a model of health relevant to older people themselves. Community nurses working with this age group might consider including an assessment for interest in musical and related activities, and also should be aware of any local initiatives into which individuals can be referred.