Teleconference group singing programs for well‐being of healthy older adults and persons with neurocognitive disorders during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, older adults experienced a marked decline in well‐being, attributed largely to social isolation (Tilburg et al, 2021; Krendl et al, 2021). Previous literature shows that participatory musical interventions, like group singing, improve well‐being and provide social and emotional support (Pentikäinen et al, 2021; Johnson et al, 2020). However, the pandemic highlighted the need for research on how such programs may be administered in an online setting. The enforced shutdown of in‐person choirs in 2021 provided an opportunity for such assessment.MethodTwo types of group choir programs were conducted via teleconferencing. One program engaged participants in sing‐along to familiar music only, offered weekly (52 in 2021). The other involved structured rehearsals (14 sessions) where participants learned choir music, culminating in a recorded "virtual concert”. Program participants were 55 and older, divided into persons with neurocognitive disorders (NcD) and cognitively healthy individuals (CH). Self‐report assessments of the programs were solicited. Four Likert scale questions covered anxiety, social connections, physical well‐being, and “other” areas of well‐being. Two free response questions requested elaboration on other well‐being improvement.ResultResults of Likert scales indicated at least moderate improvements in all measured aspects of well‐being. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive (>95%). Free response analysis revealed 7 themes, the most prominent being emotional, social, and intellectual well‐being. 87% of respondents mentioned positive effects on well‐being. Intellectual well‐being was mentioned with significant frequency by choir participants versus sing‐along (p = 0.02). While the NcD choir group was small, hampering statistical power, clear trends were present; 40% of participants in the NcD choir highlighted social well‐being (25‐29% in other groups), and 20% discussed improvements to physical well‐being (0‐6% in other groups).ConclusionOnline group music programs administered during the COVID‐19 pandemic showed improvements in overall measures of well‐being, with different programs and participants highlighting specific aspects. These results establish feasibility for such programs as a method for providing meaningful improvement to well‐being in older adults, providing stability and connection amidst a time of disruption and isolation.