The 7 benefits of dancing for seniors
Having fun, moving your body, and expressing yourself; there is certainly no age limit to the many benefits of dancing. A popular activity among the retired population, it is an excellent way to stay active. The benefits of dancing for seniors are numerous and increasingly well known. Whether it’s physical, cognitive, emotional, or social, one thing is certain: dancing is good for you!
1. Tailored activity for good cardiovascular health
At the unbridled pace of music, dancing is certainly considered a very good physical activity. You have probably already experienced it: after only a few minutes of moving on the dance floor, we can already feel the blood circulation that is active throughout our body. For the improvement of endurance and the maintenance of good cardiovascular health in seniors, dance is therefore an activity par excellence!
An important study published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (AJPM) confirmed that a regular practice of moderate intensity dance is effective in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
2. Valuable benefits for healthy joints
Dancing offers the advantage of requiring the whole body. Thus, thanks to the sequence of the various movements, dancing allows to maintain maximum flexibility and mobility. It is well known that moving (respecting one’s own rhythm and limits) has many benefits on the joints. It has even been proven, following a study by Deakin University in Australia, that an activity that allows full management like dancing would also be beneficial for good bone health.
3. Dance improves balance and coordination
The physical benefits of dancing for seniors are many and varied. In fact, by unleashing your dancing skills, you can also aim to improve coordination and balance, as well as better muscle tone. Those points are important assets when it comes to fall prevention among seniors, for example.
Are you or an elderly relative near you suffering from Parkinson’s disease? Did you know that by enjoying the art of dance, it is possible to expect some improvements in the quality of life for those seniors? This is a conclusion brought by a group of researchers, affirming that dancing can bring real benefits to the daily lives of seniors with Parkinson’s disease. Specifically, by improving their gait and balance abilities.
That is certainly some very encouraging news!
4. Dancing is also good for the brain
In addition to the many benefits to physical health, dancing has been shown to offer some cognitive benefits as well. Taking a dance class is therefore an excellent way for seniors to stimulate memory and attention, whether by learning new dance steps or discovering different musical styles for example.
In fact, studies have shown that dancing has beneficial therapeutic effects on the cerebellum.
This may be another good motivation for seniors to continue to enjoy dancing.
5. Dance for seniors: an effective remedy against stress and depression
On the same note, dance is also considered an effective way to deal with stress and depression through everyday life. In addition to the feeling of pleasure brought by the practice of this entertaining activity, dance is known as a good physical activity allowing the release of natural hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These neurotransmitters are produced by the body during physical activity and create a general state of well-being.
Dance has the interesting potential to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms through the elderly population. It also helps everybody to put the focus on enjoying the present moment to the fullest!
6. An active and fulfilling social life through dancing
Beyond its positive effects on physical and mental health, dance is an ideal socialization opportunity for seniors. In a fun and stimulating environment, dance provides an occasion to meet new people and even, sometimes, to develop friendships. By sharing your passion, you can truly connect with people that have similar interests.
As suggested by its name, social dancing is a great solution to avoid loneliness and social isolation among older adults. Whether it is by participating in organized dance events or taking a line dancing course that is offered by your residence or municipality, dancing is an excellent occasion for seniors to enjoy an active and fulfilling social life.
7. Improving self-esteem and quality of life of seniors
Having fun, exercising, being carried away by the music, learning new techniques, meeting new people, this is a good summary of what dance can provide to the elderly. Dance activities are even known to be beneficial for self-esteem and confidence. The ingredients are thus gathered to affirm that the practice of dance undoubtedly brings a positive impact on the quality of life of seniors by simply allowing to have a good time and to enjoy every moment.
Considering all these positive effects, we can safely conclude that dancing is good for your well-being! In a fun mood, dance represents an ideal activity providing multiple benefits for your physical, psychological, emotional, and social health.
For all these reasons, the great majority of seniors’ residences propose dance activities on a regular basis to their residents, whether they are independent or sometimes even in loss of autonomy.
For seniors who still live at home, it is interesting to know that many municipalities or private schools offer specially adapted dance classes to retirees who want to stay fit and active.
Do not hesitate to ask for further information and to take advantage of this opportunity!
The benefits of dancing for seniors are numerous and diverse. So let the music carry you along and move at your own pace to take full advantage of all its positive aspects!
