Music is magnetic. Recently, I was sitting in the lobby of our Groves community, doing a music therapy session with a resident. As we sang, I noticed other ladies gathering around and singing with us. By the end of our time together, the residents were helping each other pick out the songs and smiled as they sang familiar tunes.
Recent research has shown benefits in group singing for older adults. Besides the cognitive benefits, group singing can help older adults feel more socially connected and integrated with their peers. At Kensington Park, we offer several types of group music programming throughout campus. In our Highlands community, we hold both a handbell choir, affectionately called The Auld Chimers, and a regular choir, which we call the Highland High Notes. In our Woodlands community, we offer both a Women’s and Men’s Group, as well as a handbell choir (starting in September). In our Groves community, we have four music groups running each week!
While we always are working towards cognitive exercise and strengthening in our groups, we also want our residents to have meaningful engagement with their peers. Meaningful engagement and social connectedness can increase quality of life and is helpful in staving off loneliness and feelings of isolation. If you have any questions about how your loved one can get involved in one of our music groups, please reach out to me.
For more information on music therapy or brain wellness, contact Melissa Pate at mpate@kensingtonsl.com.