One of the most common complaints about aging is that people no longer get to do the things they used to enjoy because their bodies become weaker. Fortunately, the elderly can look for new hobbies or still enjoy some of the recreational activities they used to do. One such activity is dancing.
Dancing is great for everyone – young and old alike. This post gives you some of the benefits of dancing for seniors. We will also list the best dances everyone can enjoy in old age.
Benefits of Dancing for the Elderly’s Health
Students in “Ballet for Seniors” sessions reported higher energy levels, greater flexibility, better posture, and a stronger sense of accomplishment, according to a study published in ScienceDaily. They also experienced greater happiness, a sense of belonging, and companionship. There are many advantages to dancing, but here are a few of the more significant ones for the health and happiness of seniors.
Dance is Great Cardio
Any dance will speed up the heartbeat and increase blood flow, which is beneficial for overall health. American Heart Association recommends that adults aged 70 and older aim for a target heart rate between 75 and 128 beats per minute. But, as you get older and depending on specific health factors, your aim may be lower. To ensure the ideal level of cardiovascular activity, always consult a doctor.
Dance Builds Flexibility
To gradually increase your flexibility via dance, you don’t need to be able to accomplish a grand battement, which is ballet jargon for kicking your leg up to your head. Instead, muscles and joints can become more flexible with simple, gentle activity, making daily movement easier.
Dance Improves Balance
Lack of balance is one of the most common problems of aging. Many seniors suffer as a consequence of their bodies losing balance. As a person ages, having a good balance becomes more crucial since it can keep them mobile and prevent falls.
Most dance motions include shifting weight from one foot to the other, perhaps while moving on one foot only or tip-toe. Many dance students are astonished to learn that they can improve their balance with practice, but a competent instructor will ensure that seniors don’t try movements for which they are not yet ready.
Dance Does Not Require Much Space
Dance is an activity you can do even in small spaces, even though some dance styles, like square dancing, need a lot of room to accommodate large groups of people. You can walk around in a reasonably constrained area with a live feed, a recorded video, or with no assistance at all.
To be sure you won’t run into anything, test the area by turning entirely around while holding out your arms. Also, keep smaller items out of the way. For example, if your home has carpet, you might wish to stand on a tiny area of linoleum or a yoga mat.
Dance is a Creative and Artistic Outlet
Whether you follow the steps presented by an instructor or move freely to music, dance is an expression. Most people find it freeing and even emotional as they progress in their unique way. It can also improve moods and mental health.
Dance Requires Socializing
Meeting new people and having fun with friends are both made possible by taking dance courses. You might be able to find a class in the senior community where you reside, or you could visit a studio or fitness center. Dancing in a class or with a buddy over video chat may be an enjoyable way to spend time together, even in times of social alienation.
Socializing is a perfect tool against loneliness, a common factor for the increased risk of dementia. Seniors should try to create and retain friendships, and dancing helps with that.
Dance Sharpens the Mind and Memory
Although learning steps is an excellent mental workout, not everyone associates dance with memory care. However, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, dancing can delay the onset of dementia, making it a good pastime for those with memory problems. In addition, even people with memory loss may develop “muscle memory,” in which their bodies remarkably remember motions and music.
What Dances Can Seniors Enjoy?
Here are some of the few dance forms you can try at home or with a group:
- Jazzercise or any dance fitness or dance aerobics available
- Salsa or Latin dancing
- Waltz
- Foxtrot
- Line dancing
- Clog dancing
- Tap dancing
- Ballet specifically designed for the elderly
- Seated dancing, where dancers remain seated but move their upper bodies
There’s no limit to how you can incorporate dancing into your life. You can move to the beat or rhythm of the music in any way you like and call it dancing. However, it’s always best to consult a doctor before pursuing any new form of exercise, even dancing.
How to Get Started with Dancing
Seniors who have never danced before or who have restricted mobility may be reluctant to give it a try. However, there is no incorrect way to dance as long as you focus on simply moving and enjoying yourself.
Many recorded or streamed dance lessons for seniors can be found by searching for “dancing class videos for seniors” on Google or YouTube. In addition, since the COVID-19 pandemic, most dance studios have begun to offer online lessons, so you may likely find a class wherever you are. Even the dance studios in Hollywood have gone online!
If you choose to attend a class in person, most dance studios offer adult classes open to students of all ages and skill levels. Many studios also offer senior-specific courses if that is where you feel more at home. For senior dance lessons, in addition to dance studios, inquire at community colleges, YMCAs, and community centers.
We Want You Healthy
Infinite Love Homecare is a proud advocate of seniors’ health. We want the elderly to enjoy their lives, and we offer a wide range of services to that end. In addition, we want you to have fun, so let us take care of your meals, medication reminders, groceries, housekeeping, transportation concerns, doctor appointments, and more.
Contact us for a free in-home consultation at 949-529-4130 or leave us a message here. You can find us at City Tower, 333 City Boulevard, West Suite 1700, Orange, CA 92868.
