Abstract
In an aging society, improving quality of life for middle-aged and senior citizens is crucial. In Taiwan, karaoke recreation is a popular event among senior citizens. This study examined the effects of singing on middle-aged and senior citizens via testing such individuals before and after singing. The tested aspects consisted of social psychology, social interaction, emotional reaction, and usability. The experiment design categorized karaoke events into “group singing” and “individual singing.” The tested karaoke equipment consisted of conventional physical karaoke equipment (hereafter referred to as conventional karaoke equipment) and new karaoke software applications. Experiment participants comprised 48 middle-aged and senior citizens from Miaoli, Taiwan, who were divided into three groups, namely individual participant using digital application, individual participant using conventional karaoke equipment, and grouped participants using conventional karaoke equipment. Results revealed that after singing, the participants’ social avoidance and distress levels decreased, their emotions improved and strengthened, and they demonstrated enhanced social interaction behaviors. Furthermore, group singing yielded greater effects than individual singing did, whereas the effects were greater among participants who used conventional karaoke equipment than those who used digital applications. Participants who used conventional karaoke equipment demonstrated enhanced emotions, social interactions, and satisfaction with usability. Despite attempts to enhance competitiveness via integrating online social functions, new karaoke software still has space for improvement.
Highlights
The arrival of the era of population aging leads to extended life expectancies and longer postretirement periods
This study explored the psychological reactions of middle-aged and senior citizens after participating in karaoke activities, their satisfaction levels toward the assistance provided by different karaoke media, whether the effects of new karaoke applications differed from that of conventional physical karaoke equipment, whether the effects of individual singing differed from that of group singing, and methods of improving the equipment to enhance the perceived usability and satisfaction
The study results are discussed in three parts: a comparison of the participants’ psychological status before and after singing, a comparison among the three groups, and a comparison between group and individual singing and physical and digital karaoke forms
Summary
The arrival of the era of population aging leads to extended life expectancies and longer postretirement periods. Life planning for middle-aged and senior citizens has become increasingly crucial; maintaining their quality of life has become a major social concern. Research revealed that senior citizens in Taiwan live increasingly diversified lifestyles. Developing recreational activities is conducive to improving their lives (Lee et al, 2018). Main activities of senior citizens in Taiwan comprise chatting with friends and engaging in recreational or health care activities. In Taiwan, karaoke is a common recreational activity to pass time and conduct physical and mental relaxation. Senior citizens commonly invite friends to sing at professional karaoke venues, parks, and social gatherings
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