Voices in Motion is an intergenerational choir for adults with memory loss, their caregivers/care partners, friends and students. Through weekly rehearsals and public performances, you'll journey alongside those with memory loss and find a supportive and caring community.

No previous singing or choir experience is required!

The music we sing includes golden oldies, jazzy favourites, popular contemporary songs and much more! ViM’s Music Director Christine Chepyha provides inspirational leadership that is warm and welcoming.

Social singing counters stigma and social isolation:

Stigma represents one of the biggest barriers to living with dignity following a dementia diagnosis. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, almost half of Canadians would not want others to know if they have dementia for fear of stigmatization — as a consequence, many individuals experience social isolation.

Why is this of concern? Social isolation is linked to elevated stress hormones and inflammation, poor sleep hygiene, and immunosuppression —well-known risk factors for numerous diseases (e.g., vascular disease, Alzheimer Disease) and death. Research findings indicate that social isolation poses a health risk comparable to being sedentary or smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

How can social singing counteract these risks? Music in general and social singing in particular is known to diminish levels of perceived stress, as well as facilitate better regulation of cortisol (a stress hormone). Similarly, levels of oxytocin – often referred to as the “cuddle chemical” – is a neuronal signaling molecule linked to the promotion of bonding and trust between individuals, as well as the reduction of stress. Recent findings have shown that oxytocin levels can double when singing together in a group, in contrast to singing on one’s own (Keeler et al., 2015). Overall, social singing is linked to a number of health advantages including social bonding with others, happiness, diminished stress, better immune function, and better sleep. In keeping with these findings, Voices in Motion is a success due to the social integration, the community engagement, and the movement itself.

Learn more about Voices in Motion at our website: www.voicesinmotionchoirs.org