The effect of group singing on the happiness of older people

The aging population of the world is on the rise.[1] Today, about 580 million people in the world are over 60 and the figure will reach 1 billion people by 2020.[2] In Iran, statistical indicators show that the older adults’ population has also begun to rise, and according to the census of 2016, 7,228,367 people in the population were over 60. It is estimated that this number will reach 10 million in 2021.[3] Happiness is important for all age groups; however, it is more highlighted for older people. The old‑age tasks include adaptation to physical changes, adaptation to partner
Context: Happiness is important for all age groups; however, it is more highlighted in elders. 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. 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. 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). 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.