Another article from the excellent online magazine Sinfini reports that participating in musical activities is helping older people in England's North East combat loneliness. "Survey results from the venue’s Silver Programme – a scheme set up in 2005 to encourage people aged between 50 and 90 to sing, learn and play instruments, and form their own bands – have revealed the startling impact of music-making on the health and wellbeing of participants.
93 men and 294 women – 37 per cent of the total current participants in the programme – completed an eight-question survey last month, answering questions about the emotional, mental and physical impact of the scheme on their lives. Of these, 98 per cent believed that the programme had provided them with increased musical skills and opportunities, and 94 per cent agreed that it had stimulated them mentally."
93 men and 294 women – 37 per cent of the total current participants in the programme – completed an eight-question survey last month, answering questions about the emotional, mental and physical impact of the scheme on their lives. Of these, 98 per cent believed that the programme had provided them with increased musical skills and opportunities, and 94 per cent agreed that it had stimulated them mentally."