“Musick has charms to sooth a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.”  William Congreve (1697).

You have probably thumbed through many magazines and books looking for tidbits of information that promise to improve your health and take years off your age.  If so, this article may be the answer you’ve been waiting for.  Who wouldn’t like to learn how to look better, feel better, and be happier!

 What would you say if I told you that all of the above is possible for you by adding a simple element in your life—one that’s not only fun but inexpensive?  Some of the proven benefits might mean:

• Fewer doctor visits
• Improved eyesight
• Less depression
• Less medication
• Improved quality of speaking voice
• Better posture
• Improved memory
• Boosted immune system
• Improved communication skills
• More endorphins (the “feel good” hormone)
• Younger, firmer face muscles
• More initiative and empowerment

 Sound too good to be true?  Well, the results mentioned above were actually realized by a large group of seniors (although the outcome would be the same for any age) after they had participated in a research study conducted by Dr. Gene D. Cohen, director of the Center on Aging, Health, and Humanities at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. (www.sixwise.com/newsletters/06/06/07/how_singing_improves_your_health).

 Are you ready to learn about this miracle ingredient?  All those improvements--and more—were the result of singing; yes, singing.  The seniors joined together into a Senior Singers Chorale and practiced and performed as part of a three-year study.  And the seniors involved in the study showed significant health improvements compared to those in the control groups.  In fact, Dr. Cohen was surprised at how big of an effect the senior’s participation had on their health.

 "Music exercises the brain and the body,” says Al Olsen, an 81-year-old baritone in the chorale.  He enjoys the stimulation of learning new music and also finds himself breathing more deeply and sitting up straighter since he joined the choir.

 Doctor Eric Roter, a physician who studies the connections between music and medicine, agrees.  “Singing is a very physical process; and when you're making music, your body responds as if you were giving it a physical workout.”  Roter points out that singing or playing an instrument can benefit seniors by reducing the risk of dementia, as well as lessening the pain and stiffness of ailments such as arthritis (print edition of U.S. News & World Report, December 26, 2005).

 There’s an interesting CNN article about a troupe of singers in London that have formed a group called Sing for Joy.  It’s a community choir for people with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and others recovering from conditions including stroke or cancer.  The choir was formed by Nina Temple in 2003, already having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a few years earlier.  Trying to cope with her chronic condition, Temple and a fellow Parkinson’s sufferer decided to form a choir.

 The duo then invited others to join them and advertised for a singing teacher.  With the help of funding from the Parkinson’s Disease Society, the resulting ensemble Sing for Joy was up and running, rehearsing weekly and eventually performing in public.  The group now consists of around two-dozen singers (CNN, Health, Music Therapy, 2009).

 Doctor Wendy Magee, International Fellow in Music Therapy at London’s Institute of Neuropalliative Rehabilitation, describes music as a “mega-vitamin for the brain,” capable of influencing and improving motor function, communication, and even cognition.

 Using the voice for healing is not a new idea, neither was it an invention of some brilliant scientist.  God Himself created the connection between singing and health.  From the very beginning of this world’s history, God‘s people understood the connection between music and well being.  David, the great king of Israel and himself a musician and composer, was inspired to write, “Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains” (Psalm 49:13).  As if to give emphasis, David repeats, “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises unto our King, sing praises” (Psalm 47:6).

 Perhaps singing is a miracle drug after all, a proverbial Fountain of Youth, an elixir, a wonder treatment that will keep us healthy and young far beyond our expectation.  And singing doesn’t cost a fortune, taste bitter, or have serious side effects.  It’s a therapy you can do anywhere—in the shower, in your car, in the elevator, as you move about the house.

 So look up singing organizations in your town.  Consider joining your church’s choir.  You may not have a voice like Pavarotti; but if you can carry a tune at all, join for the health of it.  While you are working around the house, grab a mop handle for a microphone, take a deep breath, and belt out your favorite song.  As Cervantes said in Don Quixote, “He who sings frightens away his ills.”