By Jenny Bradley
Music can bring people together, uplift spirits and even improve health. For older adults, engaging in social activities like singing—whether in a choir, at home, or in a community setting—offers a wealth of benefits. Research suggests that singing can enhance cognitive function, improve lung capacity and reduce stress. Just as importantly, it fosters friendships and strengthens a sense of belonging.
Frank Soffey and Andrew Murphy, both residents of The Carlisle Naples, have found joy and connection through their shared love of music. While Soffey never considered himself a singer before, Murphy’s encouragement led him to join the choir at Saint William Catholic Church in Naples. Now, they sing together every Sunday, discovering not just the harmonies of music but also the harmony of friendship at their active retirement community.
Soffey’s journey into singing started with a simple suggestion from Murphy, a longtime choir member. “I had never sung before, and I didn’t know the precision needed singing in a choir,” Soffey admits. “But I’ve been taking music lessons and learning to read music. This has been a commitment to my long-time aptitude and love of singing.”
Murphy, who has been part of church choirs for over 40 years, sees singing as a wonderful way to stay socially engaged. “One of the benefits of being in a choir is that you get to know such amazing people,” he says. “It keeps you active, both mentally and socially.”
For Soffey, joining the choir was about more than just music. It was about embracing new experiences and staying engaged. His curiosity about music has now inspired him to take piano lessons this summer. “I want to be able to practice on my own and improve,” he says. “Learning something new keeps my mind sharp.”
Beyond the joy of making music, studies have shown that singing and continuous learning offer significant health benefits. Regular singing and skill-building:
• Strengthens the respiratory system – Engaging in deep breathing exercises while singing improves lung function.
• Boosts cognitive function – Learning new music, memorizing lyrics, and following melodies stimulate the brain.
• Enhances emotional well-being – Singing and learning something new release endorphins, the brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemicals, which help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Encourages social interaction – Singing in a group fosters connection, helping combat loneliness and isolation.
• Keeps the mind active – Challenging the brain with new skills like reading music or playing an instrument supports lifelong learning and mental agility.
Murphy, who still drives and remains active in the greater Naples community, believes that staying socially and mentally engaged is key to aging well. “I still play bridge, visit my old condo in Pelican Bay and meet up with friends. But singing has brought a new kind of joy into my life,” he says.
You don’t have to live in a retirement community to experience the benefits of singing, learning and friendship. Here are a few ways to incorporate them into your life:
1. Join a local choir or singing group – Many churches and community centers offer choirs or music groups that welcome beginners.
2. Host sing-alongs with friends – Gather with neighbors or loved ones and sing along to favorite tunes.
3. Take music or language lessons – Online resources and local classes make it easy to pick up a new skill at any age.
4. Sing along to your favorite music at home – Even casual singing can provide cognitive and emotional benefits.
5. Challenge yourself to learn something new – Whether it’s music, painting, or technology, lifelong learning enhances quality of life.
Singing and learning are more than just pastimes for Soffey and Murphy; they are sources of joy, friendship and personal and spiritual growth. Whether in a choir, at a piano or singing along to the radio, music and new experiences can enrich life at any age.
Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers independent and assisted living lifestyles featuring spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, housekeeping, maintenance, transportation, all utilities except telephone, Zest wellness programming and elevated dining with daily, chef-prepared specials. The community is ECC licensed with an integrated health care clinic and rehabilitative therapies located onsite. The Carlisle Naples is accredited by the National Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an important distinction that provides residents with the assurance that the highest standards of quality care, services and safeguards are maintained. For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.
Luxury Rental Retirement Living
6945 Carlisle Court, Naples, FL 34109
239-221-0017 . www.TheCarlisleNaples.com