Dancing has always been a great way to have fun while getting a little exercise. There are many physical, psychological, and social benefits to dancing that make it worthwhile for anyone! Dancing isn’t just for the young; it’s also for the young at heart! Anyone can do it no matter your shape, size or age. This is especially true for seniors and can be the perfect thing for anyone looking for an easy activity to reap the health benefits from, or for anyone who’s looking to get a little more pep in their step.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
It’s important to stay active as you get older, and dancing can be one of those ways to help live a healthy, active lifestyle. Dancing can have many positive physical benefits as you age such as helping your heart and joints, increasing balance, and improving flexibility. Supporting the heart and joints is especially important for seniors. As people age, the natural pacemaker in the heart starts to slow, the joints become stiffer, and the muscles weaken. Dancing is a low impact way to get blood pumping through the heart without overdoing it. The movement that comes from dancing can also help loosen up joints and increase joint and muscle flexibility. One other physical benefit of dancing is that it improves balance. This is a major bonus for seniors because with better balance they reduce the risk of falling and injuring themselves.
PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS
As people get older, their cognitive functions naturally start to decline. One way to help slow this decline down is by dancing. Any type of dancing is good for the body and the mind but having to learn a specific type, like line dancing, or other choreographed dances help the brain improve even more. The memory and cognitive muscles are being put to work when you have to learn and remember a new type of dance. This can also help fight off the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dancing is also a good way to take a mental break. It can help take the mind off anxiety, stress, or other issues.
SOCIAL BENEFITS
Dancing can introduce a person to a whole new community of people and get seniors involved in a group. It is never too late to make a few new friends! Whether a person takes a dancing class, a private lesson, or they’re just having some fun with some friends, there are social benefits associated with this activity that can improve an individual’s mood and overall well-being. When seniors participate in this activity it can introduce them to others and aid in coaxing them out of any loneliness or isolation they may be feeling. Dancing is also a fun and easy way to relate to and get to know others. It encourages conversation and communication and can also bring people out of their shell.
Any type of movement is good for the mind, body, and soul; but dancing just so happens to be the most fun! Now it’s time to get off your seat and move your feet!
