Songs & Smiles enhances wellbeing of older adults
Intergenerational music programs, such as Songs & Smiles, have been shown to have numerous positive effects on the well-being and quality of life for older adults residing in care homes and assisted living schemes.
7 ways Songs & Smiles enhances wellbeing in older adults
1. Emotional well-being: Music triggers emotional responses and can evoke feelings of joy, happiness, nostalgia, and comfort. Through participating in Songs & Smiles with younger generations, older adults experience increased emotional connections, reduced loneliness, and an improved sense of well-being.
2. Cognitive stimulation: Music engages various cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and executive functions. Songs & Smiles involves singing, playing instruments, and reminiscing, which provide mental stimulation for older adults, enhancing their cognitive abilities and potentially delaying cognitive decline.
3. Physical health benefits: Participating in Songs & Smiles often involves movement, dancing, and playing instruments. Such physical engagement can contribute to improved mobility, coordination, and muscle strength for older adults, promoting overall physical well-being.
4. Social interaction: Interacting with younger generations in Songs & Smiles sessions provides older adults with opportunities for social connection and companionship. They can build relationships, share experiences, and form intergenerational bonds, reducing feelings of social isolation and increasing their social network.
5. Sense of purpose and self-worth: Being involved in Songs & Smiles gives older adults a sense of purpose, value, and relevance. They are able to share their wisdom, knowledge, and skills with younger participants, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.
6. Decreased behavioural issues: Music has a calming effect and can help reduce agitation and disruptive behaviour in older adults with dementia or other cognitive issues. Songs & Smiles provides a structured environment that can promote relaxation and a sense of calm.
7. Improved communication and verbal expression: Music can serve as a medium for communication, even for individuals who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. Older adults in care homes and assisted living schemes often face communication challenges, and Songs & Smiles offers an alternative way to communicate and express themselves.
Overall, intergenerational music programs like "Songs & Smiles" provide a holistic approach to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for older adults in care homes and assisted living schemes. They stimulate cognitive abilities, nurture emotional well-being, foster social interaction, improve physical health, offer a sense of purpose and meaning, and promote memory and reminiscence, all contributing to a better overall quality of life for older adults.
Our mission
Our mission is for everyone to come away from a Songs & Smiles session smiling, and we mean everyone - tiny babies, on-the-go toddlers, parents and guardians, older residents, people living with dementia, care home staff, group leaders and our volunteers - we all have a great time.
If you’d like to see for yourself, why not book now for a Songs & Smiles near you?