SINGING - it's something anyone CAN do and everyone SHOULD do to feel good.
That's according to Curtin University's Dr Amanda Krause, who is researching how important being in a choir is for your health and wellbeing.
As part of the study, researchers from Curtin University and the University of Melbourne looked into why older Australians take part in community singing.
The researchers asked 64 participants aged over-65 from three choirs in Western Australia about their motivation to sing with others in a choir, and the benefits they experienced.
"Participants reported enormous pleasure from singing with others and said sharing the experience led to feelings of inclusion," said psychology of music expert Dr Krause from the university's School of Psychology and Speech Pathology.
"Also those who had been part of a singing group for a long time said singing gave them strength to overcome their age and disease."
She said it was a "myth" that people needed to be good singers to get the most out of joining a choir.
"Anyone can sing. You don't need to have a musical background and the voice is the one instrument everyone has," she said.
"And in community choirs they said they felt they were engaged in the community and could sing without feeling under pressure".
Dr Krause said the research found that participants experienced an uplift in emotions before and after singing with a choir and it was something they would look forward to.
"One choir was for people with Alzheimer's and their carers, and the choice of songs also allowed the participants to reminisce and feel a connection with the music," she said.
Next the team will be looking at why people participate in musical activities (such as playing an instrument) and is looking for participants.
To find out more go to http://musicalinvestment.blogspot.com.au