László Harmat is an associate professor at the Department of Psychology at Linnaeus University in Växjö.
But he is also a choir leader, which is appropriate for his new research project, which was recently awarded SEK 5.5 million from the Kamprad Foundation.
He will research the importance of choral singing for healthy aging.
Should examine the health of the elderly
In a previous research project at Linnaeus University, it was concluded that comprehensive lifestyle changes such as physical activity and cognitive exercise have positive effects on aging.
- Unfortunately, there is not much research on how musical activities can have a positive effect on the health of the elderly.
Therefore, we want to investigate how choral singing promotes emotional well-being, social commitment and cognitive reserves in older people.
Ongoing for three years
The project is called "Choir Singing and Healthy Aging: Efficacy and Underlying Neural Mechanisms" and will run for three years in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University.
In 2023, the idea is that the researchers will follow choir-singing people aged 65-75 for ten months.
Hear Associate Professor László Harmat tell more about the research project in the clip.