We all remember our younger days when going to “the dance” was a much sought after event. Dancing was a pastime that most of us enjoyed in our youth. However, as we got older, we danced less, probably engaged in it only on special occasions, such as a wedding or a party of some sort. When we get to be seniors, we may feel that we are too old to dance, or that dancing might be too strenuous for us. However, dancing has benefits that even those of us who are seniors can benefit from. There are several forms of dance that seniors can engage in without worrying about hurting themselves or putting themselves in danger. Ballroom dancing and line dancing, for example, are perfectly suited to seniors.
Dancing has physical, mental/emotional, and social benefits for everyone, especially for seniors who are generally quite inactive and do not get enough exercise. Physically, dancing speeds up the heart rate, thus increasing the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body. This contributes to maintaining a healthy heart. Dancing also improves the dancer’s balance and coordination—an important factor in preventing falls. In addition, it helps with maintaining flexibility and even in regaining lost range of motion. It is an excellent way to get a full-body workout and maintain physical fitness and mobility at a stage in
life when mobility often becomes an issue.
On the mental and emotional front, dancing is an excellent mood booster: it eases stress and takes the mind off things that might cause worry. The music along with the rhythmic movement causes the brain to release “feel good” chemicals that gives a sense of pleasure. In addition, it helps to concentrate on keeping time with the music and remembering dance steps and moves which provides mental stimulation and keeps the memory active and engaged. Dancing is also a good way to release pent up emotions, get rid of frustrations, and develop emotional connections with dance partners.
Finally, the social benefits of dancing are obvious. It provides an opportunity to spend time with old friends and make new ones. Between dances, there is the opportunity to have meaningful conversations, share personal stories, interact with others, listen to the stories of others and respond to them in meaningful ways. If you decide to take a dance class, you will be part of a group, participating in group activities and developing a group spirit. Here are some practical hints for how to prepare for a dancing session:
First, talk to your doctor before taking up dancing seriously. He or she will have some specific advice for you based on your personal medical history and current condition. A healthcare professional will be able to tell you what you need to look out for and pay special attention to while you are dancing. Before a dancing session, make sure that you warm up your muscles. There is warm up and stretching exercises that prepare your muscles for the physical activity that you will be engaging in. Also, take time to cool down after the dance session. Make sure that you are properly hydrated: drink plenty of water before, during, and after the dance session. Make sure that you are wearing the appropriate footwear. Your shoes should be well-fitting and provide adequate support for your feet. Above all, listen to your body. It will tell you what its limits are and how far you can go.
Whatever you do, have fun doing it. Enjoying yourself will keep you young in spirit and in body.
Dr. Veena Alfred Ph.D
CEO /Administrator
