We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Lion Sue Jenkinson-Thompson about how music has become a powerful tool for boosting her wellbeing—and, as it turns out, the wellbeing of others.
“Did you know that in 1926, the first Lions Clubs International Songbook, Songs for Lions, was published?” Sue shared with us. “Some of the songs were originals, like Don’t You Hear the Lions Roar, which was more about lions in the jungle than service. Others were popular tunes with new lyrics, but We Are The Lions truly captured the spirit of our mission—service and community. Even Melvin Jones, the founder of Lions Clubs International, was known to lend his tenor voice, turning quiet meetings into joyous sing-alongs. Over the years, music has continued to be a universal connection for Lions across the globe.”
Sue’s own journey with music began not just as a lifelong desire to learn, but as a way to keep her brain active after retirement. She joined her local ukulele group and line dancing group to learn and make friends for starters, but has since joined another ukulele and dance group, and more recently organised a local music group in her community. It has become to be much more than ‘just’ a hobby.
“Learning new things is key to maintaining our wellbeing, and I’m living proof of that,” Sue said. Even when she couldn’t attend the music groups due to an operation, Sue didn’t let it stop her. “I had been playing the ukulele, but while stuck at home, I picked up a guitar and taught myself using YouTube. I could have felt sorry for myself, but instead, I turned it into something positive, and the goal to learn the instrument and the happiness it brought me kept me going.”
Sue shared how attending all the music groups and the act of playing and singing together offers a break from the stresses of life. “When we’re all playing, it’s a time to forget our worries and just be in the moment,” Sue explained. “It really lifts our mood.” Being in the moment is another wellbeing tool. For some like Sue, it is found in playing music; for others it might be craft, gardening or going for a walk.
But what if you don’t have a hobby? Sue says it’s never too late to find one “I didn’t have the chance to learn a musical instrument or dance when I was younger, but it’s never too late to start something you love.”
The benefits for all the music groups Sue attends extends beyond mental wellbeing. “We all help set up the room, prepare morning tea, and of course, play music—so it gets us moving too,” Sue added, and the social aspect is just as important. “Attending group activities is a fantastic way to connect with others. For us, music often triggers memories, leading to great stories, discussions, and lots of laughter—and yes, sometimes a few tears.” Sue has also organised for the music and dance groups to combine on occasions to “play along, sing along, dance along” themed fun musical afternoons.
Some groups started performing at residential facilities, bringing joy to the residents. “It’s the oldies playing for the oldies!” Sue laughed. “I’m sure we get just as much out of it as they do. It is really amazing to see the impact the music can have on the residents, even those with dementia will start to sing lyrics to a favourite song from their past, that brightens their day as much as ours”.
Sue is also part of a dance group, which she says is just as beneficial. “Dance is great for your body and your brain. Learning new dances challenges our memory, cognition, and processing speed—and it’s a lot of fun! And don’t worry if you have a sore this or that, we all do, but once we start it’s amazing how the body starts to feel younger.”
Sue’s story is a wonderful example of how joining a local group to do something you love can significantly enhance your health. As Sue says, you don’t have to be an expert:
“I’m not a musician, but I love it.”
“I’m not a singer, but I love it.”
“I’m not a dancer, but I love it.”
So why not see if there’s a local group you can join? Or do what Sue did—start one! You might just find yourself boosting your own wellbeing, and that of those around you.
Do you have a story about how you enhance your wellbeing? Why not share it with us.
To find our more about looking after your wellbeing, visit or factsheet section, and to learn more about music and your wellbeing visit Tune In Not Out’s music and your mental health topic page.
1)(Ref: lions100.org Touchstone Story #98 Musical Lions)