Lifting their voices for healthy aging<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Singing in a community choir may be a unique approach to promote the health of diverse older adults by helping them remain active and engaged. It may even reduce health disparities. Dr. Julene K. Johnson tested this approach, leading Community of Voices<\/a>, the largest randomized clinical trial to test the impact of participating in a community choir on the health and well-being of nearly 400 culturally diverse adults, age 60 and older, from 12 senior centers in San Francisco. Each choir met once a week in 90-minute sessions for 44 weeks and performed in several informal concerts. Researchers assessed participants\u2019 cognition, physical function, and psychosocial function, as well as their use and cost of healthcare services, before they started the choir program and again after 6 and 12 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Participating in the community choir showed positive results<\/a> within 6 months. In particular, it reduced feelings of loneliness and increased interest in life. However, cognitive and physical outcomes and healthcare costs did not change significantly. Dr. Johnson attributed the improvements to the choir providing a meaningful, regular opportunity to meet new people, build social support, and increase a sense of belonging. \u201cThe study showed increased interest in life because singing in the choir provided a regular, structured activity for participants,\u201d she said. \u201cAccess to regular activities in diverse, low-income communities is vital for older adults to remain active and engaged in their community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Northwestern University<\/a> is looking to another art form, theater improvisation, to help older adults with early-stage dementia be social and improve their quality of life. \u201cThe Memory Ensemble\u201d is for people newly diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s disease and other types of dementia who are looking for opportunities to engage in programs that fit their needs. The Memory Ensemble\u2019s<\/a> 69 participants learn how to use their instincts, creativity, and spontaneity to explore and create improvisational theater. The program, developed in 2010 by Northwestern and the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago, seeks to improve the quality of life for people living with Alzheimer\u2019s and related disorders and to transfer these benefits to other communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As part of the 8-week program, groups of 10 to 15 participants, age 50 to 90, attend 90-minute sessions that are purposely repetitive and follow a specific pattern. Two facilitators\u2014a clinical social worker and a master teaching artist in theater and improvisational techniques\u2014guide participants through various activities. \u201cWe wanted participants to be in a safe but challenging environment,\u201d said the program\u2019s co-founder, Christine Mary Dunford, Ph.D. \u201cWe\u2019re putting them in situations where they may feel anxiety. But our motto is, \u2018When I feel anxious or uncertain, I can stop, breathe, observe, and turn to my imagination, and an answer will come.\u2019 As a result, we\u2019ve found they feel more successful and empowered.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nTheater improvising to cope with dementia<\/h5>\n\n\n\n