By Sunny McKinnon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Participation in a chorale group such as the one at Highland Springs may be sweet music when it comes to keeping a nimble mind. A study by George Washington University professor Gene Cohen reports that a choral group with  members whose average age was 80 produced excellent results, with a year of rigorous, weekly practices nurturing the singers’ bodies and minds.

Health benefits
The chorale members averaged fewer visits to the doctor compared to a control group of nonsingers; they reported fewer falls and fewer vision problems than before they started singing; and they enjoyed regular social outings that fostered better mental health.

Mick and Elle Donato keep their minds active, singing with the Highland Springs’ chorus.

“We have been singing around the block, since we were teenagers,” says Mick, who moved to Texas from Florida to get away from the threat of hurricanes. “We really enjoy the singing and the camaraderie. My wife has taken voice lessons, and we’ve been active in choirs for years.”

The singers at Highland Springs were organized into a formal group by Noni Meaney, who is also a longtime participant in choirs.

“My husband and I have lived in four retirement communities, so we knew what we wanted when we moved to Highland Springs,” says Noni. “When we moved in [on the second day], I put out the call and six people responded. Now, we have 19 and we meet for practice every Saturday at 10:00 in the morning.”

The group gave a Christmas performance and is planning an Easter program as well. “We’re not the Mormon Tabernacle Choir,” laughs Noni, who was a member of the Sweet Adelines for 20 years, “but, we do all right. We have  about 19 members now and we’re expecting to grow.”