Singing seniors put smiles on faces at nursing homes

They may not be professional singers, but this sprightly group of retirees are experts at spreading cheer wherever they go.

PASSION FOR MUSIC: A few of the Edgewater Village Singers show off their skills. Picture: Contributed

THEY may not be professional singers, but this sprightly group of retirees are experts at spreading cheer wherever they go.

Whether it's a passion for tunes or putting smiles on other's faces, the Edgewater Village Singers are making the world a better place with their voices.

For 20 years, the group has visited nursing homes across the Coast every week, bringing joy with old time songs to those who need a little pick-me-up.

Member Yvonne Neundorf joined over a decade ago and said she loved seeing the elderly join in when they perform.

"When it's a song they know, they'll start to clap their hands or sing along and it's beautiful to see,” she said.

"They lie there almost comatose sometimes, but then you see their eyes light up and it's the icing on the cake.”

For someone who has been singing all her life, Mrs Neundorf said the group was a highlight of her week.

"I don't know what I would do if I couldn't sing,” she said.

"If I miss a couple of weeks, I get withdrawal symptoms. I really do.”

Keith Newlove, who was in the group when it first banded together, said the average age of members was "well into the 80s”.

"The people in the nursing home like when we sing because a lot of them are a similar age to us anyway, so they know the same songs,” he said.

The singers were always looking for new members, Mr Newlove said, and anyone could join regardless of their location.

"When we first started off, we were looking at Edgewater people only,” he said.

"But now we welcome all that love to sing.”

Whether you're in the group or a part of the audience at the nursing homes, Mrs Neundorf said the power of singing was helpful for all.

"Not just from our point of view, but from a medical view too, it's coming out that music is one of the best things for the elderly,” she said.

"As long as I can keep opening my mouth, I'll keep singing.”

The Edgewater Village Singers rehearse on Wednesday mornings from 9-10am and welcome all to attend.

Phone member Sandi Creedon on 0428368995 if you're interested in joining the group.