Health promotion international
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Designing and implementing population-based systems of care that address the social determinants of health, take action on multiple levels, and are guided by evidence-based principles is a pressing priority, and an international challenge. Aging persons are a priority demographic whose health needs span physical, psychosocial and existential care domains, increase in the last year of life, are often poorly coordinated and therefore remain unmet. Compassionate communities (CCs) are an example of a public health approach that fully addresses the holistic healthcare needs of those who are aging and nearing end of life. ⋯ The HICM offers utility for citizens, leaders and decision-makers who are engaged in the implementation of population health level strategies or other social approaches to care, such as compassionate cities and age or dementia-friendly communities. The HICM's concepts can be adapted to address a community's healthcare context, needs, and goals for change. We share examples of how the model's major concepts have been applied in the development, evaluation and spread of a complex CC approach.
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Singing in groups is a global phenomenon and there is a growing body of evidence that singing can affect health and wellbeing. This is the first gender-based study to explore how women's perceptions of their own health and wellbeing can be affected by singing in a choir; and also how choral singing may have an impact on social inclusion. Qualitative data was collected from nine choirs in two regions of Norway. ⋯ Findings were that choral singing can affect women's perceptions of their wellbeing in four distinct ways: (i) through the joy of singing, (ii) experiencing singing as essential for survival, (iii) group singing as a route to social connection, which enhanced a sense of identity and of belonging, and thereby increased self-confidence and self-esteem and (iv) through promoting social inclusion. In the context of these findings, choral singing can be understood as a 'salutogenic' activity, that is, one that supports health and wellbeing. This has implications for self-care practice, social prescribing programs and public health policy.