Author Name: – Priyanshi Rathore & Rutba Aijaz Date:- 24 March 2026
Background: Communal singing is a universal practice that fosters silent solidarity, belongingness, and emotional expression. It provides a safe, structured environment for shared emotional support during both grief and celebration, strengthening social bonds. This is particularly meaningful for older adults experiencing isolation or distress, with research consistently linking group singing to improved physical and psychological well-being. This review aimed to evaluate the impact of communal singing on overall well-being in later life. A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. 28 empirical studies published between 2015-2025 were included. Only English-language, freely accessible studies were considered. These studies involved participants aged 50 years and older and examined variables related to communal singing and well-being. Literature was sourced from Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate, and SAGE Journals. Five key themes emerged from the analysis, which were validated and organized using the PERMA well-being framework: Emotional Regulation, Purposeful Engagement, Enhanced Social Cohesion and Relations, Fostering Identity and a Sense of Purpose, Achievement, Growth, and Personal Competence. Together, these themes illustrate how communal singing nurtures psychological resilience, strengthens social bonds, and promotes meaningful engagement in later life.
Keywords: elderly well-being; communal singing; therapeutic measure
