Exploring choral engagement and psychosocial well-being in later life
One-year qualitative insights from the university of the third age
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21458684 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Cagri Sen (0000-0003-0776-5025, Sinop University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-19 |
| Publication date | 2026-02-06 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Studies in Continuing Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0158-037X • E-ISSN: 1470-126X |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/0158037x.2026.2627585 |
| OpenAlex | W7128169284 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 32 |
This study explores older adults’ experiences of amateur choir participation within the University of the Third Age (U3A) programme in Türkiye, with a particular focus on its perceived contributions to their emotional, social, and musical lives. A qualitative approach grounded in participants’ lived experiences was adopted, enabling semi-structured interviews with 20 participants of an average age of 66. Findings indicate that choir participation extends beyond a mere musical activity; participants reported stronger social ties, enhanced emotional well-being, increased self-confidence, and a sense of belonging. Participants reported increased social interactions, reduced stress levels, and heightened productivity. Furthermore, the choir offered intellectual stimulation and a structured learning environment, contributing to psychosocial development. The study highlights how choir participation fosters lifelong learning through structured social and musical engagement, aligning with broader adult education goals. Rather than positioning choir singing as inherently distinct from other group activities, this study emphasises the value of structured music programmes for older adults within lifelong learning contexts. It highlights how choir participation can support social engagement and well-being in later life and underscores the importance of expanding accessible choir opportunities
Career development · Choir · Higher education · Psychosocial · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Semi-structured interview · Third age · Aging and Gerontology Research · Identity, Memory, and Therapy · Music Therapy and Health
Adult Education and Lifelong Learning
Are the psychological benefits of choral singing unique to choirs? A comparison of six activity groups
Changes in mood, oxytocin, and cortisol following group and individual singing
Adaptive Characteristics of Group Singing
Testing the beneficial effects of singing in a choir on mood and stress in a longitudinal study
Are adult amateur musicians at ‘high risk’ of experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms
And as I go, I love to sing
An investigation of social support in adult recreational music ensembles
Is Group Singing Special? Health, Well‐Being and Social Bonds in Community‐Based Adult Education Classes
Compassionate Dictatorship”
Singing and companionship in the Hawthorn University of the Third-Age Choir, Australia
Music and the wellbeing of people with dementia
The effects of solo singing, choral singing and swimming on mood and physiological indices
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Effects of group singing and performance for marginalized and middle-class singers
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |