Dancing for seniors can improve their physical health by creating strong social connections that increase their sense of well-being. It’s not just a social activity.
Dancing is used to treat conditions ranging from eating disorders to depression.
Research shows that more seniors and their caregivers should consider dancing, as a method for keeping their minds and bodies active.
Range of Benefits
Minimizes Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Seniors with mood disorders who participated in a two-week dancing program felt less depressed and experienced notable reductions in their levels of stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Improving Strength, Mobility, and Balance
Not all dances are for seniors, but salsa is a safe and feasible exercise program for seniors. 92% of the seniors that started the 8-week dance program, completed it and reported improved mobility and balance and a renewed commitment to physical exercise.
Reduces Muscle Pain and Joint Stiffness
Older adults with knee and hip problems could trade their pain medications for dancing shoes. One study shows that after engaging in a 12-week dance program, participants with an average age of 80 years old were able to reduce the number of pain medication they were taking by 39 percent. They were also able to walk around more freely and easily, helping to keep an independent lifestyle.
Good for Heart and Cardiovascular Health
An excellent benefit of choosing dance for their exercise routine is that it can be done anywhere, with no special equipment or location. All they need is some music, an understanding of the steps, and the wish to dance. Regularly practicing dance routines can improve lower blood pressure and cholesterol, maintain healthy body weight, and protect the heart from cardiovascular problems.
The physical, social, and mental aspects make dance one of the best overall health practices for seniors to boost independence, mobility, balance, mood, and overall wellness.
