Studies say both religious music and Broadway singalongs benefit seniors, according to a blog on the McKnights website.

One group of researchers found increases in life satisfaction and self-esteem, along with decreases in anxiety about mortality with religious music 

“Given that religious music is available to most individuals — even those with health problems or physical limitations that might preclude participation in more formal aspects of religious life — it might be a valuable resource for promoting mental health later in the life course,” the researchers said.

Another found singing showtunes out loud can help combat dementia.

Researchers from George Mason University conducted a four-month study in which, residents who had dementia, were divided into two groups. One group sang along with classic showtunes three times a week. The other group just listened to the songs.

The singing group's performance on cognitive tests improved over the course of the four weeks, while the listening group did not show improvement, the study said.

Read the blog.

Read the religious music article.

Read the showtunes article.