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Prime Timers Choir, formed by 17 seniors with an average age of 94, set a world record in the United Kingdom during an emotional Christmas concert
On December 19, 2024, the Prime Timers Choir, made up of 17 seniors aged 90 to 99 with an average age of 94, broke the record for the oldest choir in a Christmas performance organized by Runwood Homes in Stratford-Upon-Avon, United Kingdom.
The oldest choir performed in the Grand Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, turning the last Christmas into a memorable night for residents, families, caregivers, and staff from the homes involved in the project.
The ages of the members ranged from 90 to 99 years. With an average age of 94, the group achieved the record in a performance accompanied by a proud audience.
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Show and repertoire
The concert opened with a performance by Tony Christie, who led the singers in “Amarillo” and “Silent Night.” Then, the nonagenarians took the stage with three songs from the repertoire.
Among the songs performed were “Jingle Bells” and “Christmas Through the Years.” The song features the line “Here we are, with a song to sing and a story to tell.”
Chris Righton, 91, told the BBC that he initially doubted whether he wanted to participate but changed his mind after hearing the rehearsals. He then decided to join the choir and stated that everything has been fun.
Origin of the choir
The group was formed with residents from seven care homes in Warwickshire managed by Runwood Homes.
The hall was filled with relatives taking proud photos, in a reversal of childhood Christmas concerts.
Also present in the hall were caregivers and staff from the units. For many of them, the event represented the culmination of years of attention to the residents, more than half of whom were diagnosed with dementia.
Music and dementia
The choir was conceived by Jasmine Kessey, deputy manager of Lower Meadow, with support from Paul Gaskell, head of Dementia Services at Runwood Homes.
The goal was to create the oldest choir and celebrate the joy of music.
Kessey stated that people may forget names and faces, but never how someone made them feel. Sarah Metcalfe from Music for Dementia said that singing improves mood and lung health.
She also highlighted that music can help manage symptoms of dementia, such as anxiety, as well as foster friendships and outings. The oldest choir was conceived with this goal in mind.
Record in the Guinness and celebration
After a speech by Sian Reeves, the judge from Guinness World Records, Carl Saville announced that the group had broken the record and received the certificate. The announcement was met with applause, emotion, and celebration.
A representative stated that few people get to attempt to break world records at any age, let alone at 90 years or older. Sheila Barnett, 91, summed up the spirit of the choir: “I think we did pretty well!”
With information from Guinnessworldrecords.
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