Religious music may benefit the mental health of older adults, according to a recent study.

American researchers found that among older Christians, listening to religious music is associated with a decrease in anxiety about death and increases in life satisfaction, self-esteem, and sense of control over their lives.

"Religion is an important socioemotional resource that has been linked with desirable mental health outcomes among older U.S. adults," researchers said in the study. "This study shows that listening to religious music may promote psychological well-being in later life."

 For the study, researchers used data from more than 1,000 individuals who participated in two waves (taken in 2001 and 2004) of the nationwide Religion, Aging, and Health Survey of older black and white adults in the United States. The population consisted of household residents who were either black or white, non-institutionalized, English speaking, and at least 65 years of age. 

Study participants were currently practicing Christians, those who identified as Christians in the past but no longer practice any religion, and those not affiliated with any faith at any point in their lifetime. They were asked how often they listened to both religious music and gospel music on a scale ranging from "never" to "several times a day."  Researchers said death anxiety, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and sense of control were measured by how strongly the respondent agreed with a series of statements. 

These included,, "I find it hard to face up to the fact that I will die," "These are the best years of my life," "I take a positive attitude toward myself," and "I have a lot of influence over most things that happen in my life," according to researchers.

"Given that religious music is available to most individuals - even those with health problems or physical limitations that might preclude participating in more formal aspects of religious life - it might be a valuable resource for promoting mental health later in the life course," researchers said.