Benefits of Dancing In The Senior Population

Exercise programs for older people commonly experience high drop-out rates.  Dance, on the other hand, is an enjoyable and sociable form of exercise where participants report very high levels of motivation.1  The increased interest in dance provides an opportunity to offer dance sessions for older people in community centers, care homes, village halls, and hospitals across the country.1  

Benefits of Dancing

• Balance
• One of the most commonly cited benefits of dance for older people is an improvement in balance.  Balance, mobility and fear of falling are major factors associated with the risk of falling in older people.  Dance studies have shown improvements in balance either in general or in association with specific conditions such as parkinson’s disease.1

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  Photo By:  Colorado Gazette

  Strength and Gait
• Improving strength may not be a focus of dance, but dance classes can be designed to promote strength.1
• Cognitive Ability
• Dancing is good for seniors because it provides physical exercise and a mental workout. Seniors memorize dance moves and plot their steps on the dance floor, all while working with a partner. Having that opportunity to get together and socialize also contributes to memory and overall health.2
• Social Benefit
• Interviews undertaken with older people who have taken part in dance groups tend to emphasis the social benefits of taking part.  Experiences as varied as line dancing, ballroom dancing, or folk dancing record the social advantages of taking part together with improvements in well-being and quality of life. 1

Dancing helps boost a senior’s fitness level and memory. So, find a partner and take a spin on the dance floor. Whether you have two left feet or glide like Fred Astaire, you are sure to have a fun time and make some great memories.2

References:

1Keep Dancing:  The Health and Well-Being Benefits of Dance For Older People.     Retrieved July 26, 2015, from http://www.cpa.org.uk/information/reviews/shall-we-dance-report.pdf

2Seniors Dance to Curb Alzheimer’s.  Retrieved July 26, 2015, from http://www.alzheimers.net/2014-02-27/dancing-helps-prevent-dementia/