In the January/February 2014 AARP Bulletin, there’s a brief item about scientists studying health changes in choir members. In places as different as Finland, San Francisco and Georgetown University, the consensus seems to be that choir singers are healthier, less lonely, and have better quality of life than those in control groups. Cognitive neuroscientist Julene K. Johnston is quoted as saying that choral singing allows people “to use their bodies while creating something beautiful.”

Well, we knew that. It’s nice to have the scientific studies to back it up, but any music minister worth his or her salt knows it. Singing in a choir is not only good for the soul, but good for the mind and body, too. The weekly renewal of the choir’s microcommunity is a social shot in the arm. And I am convinced that the mental exercise of learning new music and new skills week in and week out is a pretty potent anti-aging medicine.

Voices, like anything else in the body, last longer when properly—and regularly—exercised. But older voices may need some special care, such as warmups designed to address problems of vocal agility, tone and breath control. A soprano may lose top notes and become an alto, or an alto become a tenor—but that’s okay. But a patient director who encourages good technique will be rewarded. I have a friend whose small choir is almost all senior citizens—but they have a wonderful blend and tone.

Don’t stop singing, not as long as you have breath. You may not get the solos anymore, but your voice can still serve your faith community—and that’s not nothing.