Singing Helps Elderly with Lung Disease!

Rebecca Lewis January 31, 2013

Other than taking medications, exercising and observing healthy lifestyle, people with lung disease can greatly benefit from joining singing groups – a new study found.

A progressive disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, disables the sufferer from breathing properly. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD but other factors might also contribute to the development of this disease, such as the exposure to environmental pollutants and chemical fumes. COPD is one of the most common respiratory diseases in Britain, affecting an estimated 3 million people. Until today, no cure has been developed for such illness and scientists have not yet discovered how lung damage can be reversed.

Researchers from Sidney De Haan Research Centre, Canterbury Christ Church University were the first to conduct a large-scale community research on the effects of group singing in the health and quality of life of people diagnosed with COPD. After ten months of organising group singing activities, they arrived to interesting findings.

They found that participants belonging to the singing groups had a significant improvement in their lung function, as well as in their physical, social and psychological health. The more the participants attended the group singing activities, the more their health improved.

Cost-effective Health Strategy

Seeing the remarkable impact in elder people who have lung disease, the researchers recommend group singing as a cost-effective health promotion strategy for individuals who have COPD.

According to Professor Stephen Clift, Research Director for the Centre, the evidence in the study shows that regular group singing can be beneficial to individuals having breathing difficulties. It can also improve their lung function and breathing control. Researchers found that participants who attended regular group singing affairs improved their social relationships and were able to obtain peer support to manage their condition better.

The Centre collaborated with the Dunhill Medical Trust which provided the fund for the research.

Dear Readers,

Are there any other natural techniques that can help people with COPD manage their condition?

Share your comments below.

Source of this article:

First large scale community study into the value of group singing for older people with lung disease