Sounding younger, feeling better

Debbie Phyland has a simple theory: if you sound in good shape, you probably are.

“Your quality of life and your voice are intricately related: if people’s voices sound good they feel good and vice versa,” she says. “If you’re upset or angry, your voice reflects that. We know there is a strong emotional connection with the voice and that’s been shown in numerous research studies.”

In a paper on the research project they are preparing for publication in an academic journal, Ms Phyland, Dr Oates and Ms Tay say voice exercises may be effective in reversing or lessening negative perceptions and impacts associated with the ageing voice.

That’s from a recent article published at The Age, an online newspaper out of Australia, regarding the positive effects singing has on one’s overall health.

We recently had a new resident based choir begin performing at Potter Ridge Assisted Living in Red Wing, Minnesota. Mickie Schutz, our Community Life Coordinator, said that during exercise class, many of the residents would sing loudly with the music. She jokingly told them they should all be in a choir. There was initial resistance to the idea, but when Mickie became serious about it, many decided it was a good idea.

Mickie has seen this very beneficial for our residents, not only individually, but corporately. She stated, “When someone changes their standing hair appointment because it conflicts with choir practice, you know this is important”. “We have fun when we practice. Being together. I like to sing and I always sang in the church choir.” stated Freda, one of the residents who participate at Potter Ridge.

Mickie shared they enjoy getting together for their weekly practices and especially enjoy performing outside of Potter Ridge together with their peers. They get many compliments which builds their confidence, self-esteem and helps meet that need of having a purpose fulfilled. “Several things….the people, good time together and yack, and going out to the different places and meet more people.” stated Gordy, another choir member. “Going out in the community and being with people that aren’t as mobile.” is one of the reasons Mary, one of the choir members, enjoys participating.

They have performed for our Holiday Party and special events we have had at Potter Ridge, along with taking the bus and performing at other venues. Recently, the Potter Ridge Singers most recently performed at the Correctional facility in Red Wing. They truly enjoyed performing for “the guys” as they called it.

You can read the whole article from above at: http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/sounding-younger-feeling-better-20110328-1cd2j.html#ixzz1JuXy8Wtl

If you’d like to schedule the Potter Ridge Singers to perform at your event, contact Mickie at Potter Ridge at 651-388-1546

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