Singing for Health - and Happiness - 2/18/2024

Singing for Health ... and Happiness

seniorplanet.org

Singing and making music together can help people connect with each other in a creative ... and special ... way.

"Music puts us in touch with our feelings, connects us to the past, and gives us hope for the future. There are so many inspirational songs that uplift us," notes Rothwell. "Songs unlock memory ... certain Fleetwood Mac songs take me back to high school...and offer so much more. Don't underestimate the power and importance of joy, and singing brings joy."

A Song a Day

With the Daily Antidote of Song hosted by Carpe Diem Arts, (created during the pandemic lockdown and going strong some 1400 days later), people Zoom in from all over the country ... and the world ... to sing together every day at 12 noon EST.

For more information go to their website at: carpediemarts.org/daily-antidote-of-song

"I thought we would do this for maybe a month," says Jo Rasi, program director, the Daily Antidote of Song, sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts, a nonprofit based in Silver Spring, Maryland. "We began in April 2020. In April 2024, we'll enter our fifth year. When isolation was ending, we recognized that people who lived in isolation before the pandemic would no longer have all those virtual programs and we wanted them to still have live music online, so we kept it going."

"We've had 500 song leaders and hosts," adds Rasi. "Some of the song leaders have connected in person with other musicians in the group. Their songs range from folk, rock, blues, pop and more. You might hear Amazing Grace or The Beatles."

Each session features a host and a song leader. The host introduces the song leader and welcomes everyone. The lyrics scroll along on the right hand side of the screen as the song leader sings.

Singing, Music and Health
Studies show that singing improves health and mood, lessens anxiety, increases lung capacity and stimulates memory ... singing has a positive effect on the brain and it can jog the memory of people with dementia. Membership in a group or chorus promotes social bonding and fosters team work skills.

Sing Your Own Song!
"Songwriting is definitely a fun and creative activity!" says Rothwell. "It exercises your brain and is a great way to get your thoughts and feelings out. Some people find it therapeutic, while others just enjoy sharing their take on different subjects in an entertaining way."

"Plus," Rothwell adds, "like many worthwhile creative endeavors, songwriting can be challenging. That's why Senior Planet Songwriting Night on Zoom is so helpful. It's a welcoming space to get support, constructive feedback, and to be inspired by others. ... whether they are new to songwriting or not ... or even if they don't have an instrument. Online resources like Songcraft or Hooktheory or Masterwriter help you create songs...so don't let not playing an instrument stop you! Senior Planet Songwriting Night is also a great place to find musicians to collaborate with who can help make your lyrics into a song!"

"Singing a song that you wrote yourself is very gratifying and creates a special connection with the audience. It's a great way to share more about yourself while relating to others who may have common experiences about family, nature, relationships, current events and daily life."

What's your favorite song....an oldie? A torch song? One you wrote yourself?