At 88 years old, Nino joined a choir for the first time.
Nino, a resident at Regis East Malvern in Victoria, is one of many people across Regis Homes discovering new opportunities through music, from learning new skills and building confidence to supporting cognitive health.
Music has always been part of Nino’s life. Growing up, there was always music playing at home, and over the years he developed a love for artists including Andrea Bocelli, Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
Joining a choir, however, was never something he expected to do.
“I’m not a great singer, but I do enjoy it,” he said.
While the performance was a new experience, the opportunity to spend time with others was what appealed to him most.
“I love people. I’ve always had people around me,” he said. “It’s great fun having people around.”
This World Music Day, Regis is celebrating the role music plays in daily life across its Homes. From visiting musicians and singalongs to resident performances, music remains one of the most popular ways for residents to improve their health and wellbeing in a fun and engaging way.
The focus on music reflects growing evidence around its benefits in later life. Recent Australian research from Monash University, involving more than 10,800 older adults, found people who regularly listened to music had a 39 per cent lower likelihood of developing dementia and experienced better cognitive health outcomes over time.
Researchers said the findings suggest lifestyle activities such as listening to and playing music can help support cognitive health as people age.
At Regis, music is valued not only as entertainment, but as a way to support our residents. Music creates opportunities for residents to stay socially connected and continue participating in activities they enjoy.
For Nino, that has meant stepping onto a stage for the first time at 88.
