The effect of group singing on the happiness of older people

Context: Happiness is important for all age groups; however, it is more highlighted in elders. 

Aims: The aim of the current study was to determine the effect of group singing on the happiness of older people.

Setting and Design: In this quasi-experimental study, sixty participants selected among elderly referred to two Day Care Centers of Mazandaran.

Materials and Methods: Samples were assigned to two groups of intervention (n = 30)and control (n = 30). The intervention group was assigned into three groups of 10. Each group selected a song from the list of songs and performed it for 10 min. This process was repeated one more time. The intervention was performed two times a week, for 3 weeks. In the control group, no intervention was performed and the elderly received the usual care. The happiness score of both groups, before and 1 month after the end of the intervention, was measured using the Oxford Happiness Inventory.

Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using independent t-test, Chi-square test, and ANCOVA. Results: Before intervention, the mean scores of happiness in the intervention and control groups were 4.38 ± 0.48 and 4. 53 ± 0.26, respectively (P = 0.138). One month after intervention, the mean scores of happiness in the intervention and control groups were 4.77 ± 0.37 and 4.35 ± 0.18, respectively (P = 0.004).

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that group singing was effective on the happiness of the elderly. More studies in day-care centers and other settings, especially nursing homes, are recommended. Implementation of such measures is recommended in the day-care centers.