Singing From The Heart

Singing From The Heart

Music has such an emotional pull, doesn’t it? It can make us laugh, cry, reflect – and it can soothe, stimulate and bring to mind long-forgotten memories. It’s especially important for older people – including those with dementia or Alzheimer’s as it can also trigger long forgotten memories.

Whether it’s stage musicals, sixties soul, 70s funk, operatic arias or songs from the silver screen, studies have shown that music promotes better health through the enjoyment of listening, dancing and singing. In other words, music makes us feel happy!

Singing in particular, whether alone or as part of a choir, is also known to have multiple benefits – physically, emotionally and even neurologically. It’s a great workout for the body, especially the lungs, and can make our breathing easier through a stronger diaphragm, as well as improving posture. Singing is also thought to improve sleep and as the act of singing triggers the release of feel-good chemicals such as dopamine, it’s also a natural anti-depressant. And for those who sing with a choir, they may find their self-confidence is boosted through interaction with other people – especially important for those with speech difficulties as a result of a stroke.

Here at Birchwood House, we love the sound of music – especially singing – and we’re thrilled to welcome the local Girl Guides from Speldhurst and the choir from the church, as they come to sing old songs for us before Christmas. Our residents also really enjoy visits from Paul who comes and sings with them once a month!

Ella Fitzgerald once said: “The only thing better than singing – is more singing”.

What kind of music do you love to sing along to? Here are some of our old favourites!

• The Andrews Sisters
• Benny Goodman
• Bing Crosby
• Glenn Miller
• Judy Garland
• Dinah Shore
• Doris Day
• Nat King Cole
• Patti Page
• Tony Bennett
• Dean Martin
• Connie Francis
• Elvis Presley
• Roy Orbison
• The Rolling Stones
• Simon & Garfunkel
• The Everly Brothers
• Frank Sinatra
• Sammy Davis, Jr.
• Aretha Franklin
• The Beatles
• Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons