Most people find it freeing and even emotional as they move in their own unique way. Whether you follow the steps presented by an instructor or move freely to music, dance is an expression. In fact, even those who struggle with memory loss may develop “muscle memory” whereby their body remembers movements and music in a remarkable way. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dancing can reduce the onset of dementia, making dance a suitable activity for people with memory issues. Not everyone thinks of dance as related to memory care, but memorizing steps makes for a great mental exercise. Simply moving the body in new ways, gently, can lead to more flexible muscles and joints, and easier movement in everyday life. You don’t have to be able to execute a grand battement - ballet speak for kicking your leg up to your head - to gain gradual improvement in flexibility through dance. A good instructor will start slowly to make sure that a senior doesn’t attempt anything they’re not ready for, but many dance students are surprised to realize that they can actually improve their balance with practice. Dance typically requires the transfer of weight from one foot to the other, sometimes with movements done on only one foot or while on tip-toe. Good balance becomes increasingly important with age, as it can help a person maintain mobility and avoid falls. Always check with a doctor to confirm the best level of cardiovascular activity. Your target may be lower as age increases and depending on certain health factors. According to the American Heart Association, people age 70 and up should aim for a target heart rate of 75 to 128 beats per minute.
Provides Great CardioĪny form of dance will raise the heart rate and get oxygen moving through the system, which is important for overall health. They also felt happier and enjoyed a sense of community and friendship.” The benefits from any form of dance are numerous, but here are a few of the most important for the health and wellbeing of people in their golden years. 7 Benefits of Dance for Seniors’ Health and WellnessĪ study published in ScienceDaily followed students in “Ballet for Seniors” classes and found that they experienced, “higher energy levels, greater flexibility, improved posture, and an enhanced sense of achievement. Even if someone is completely new to dance, there are many benefits and ways to give it a try. Many seniors have fond memories of dancing earlier in life, whether socially or in a performance capacity. There are many different forms of dance, some of which can be practiced alone and others with a partner or group. Dancing provides multiple health benefits for seniors, including improving your cardio, balance, and mood, along with other perks you may not have considered. A great aerobic exercise option for seniors is dance. Each person needs to find the form of exercise they enjoy and can engage in regularly later in life. Exercise is important for optimizing physical and mental health, especially as we age.
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