Dancing
Oh! I’m sure a lot of eyebrows are probably raised when the title was read, but it’s true!
Studies have shown that ballroom dancing is one of the many activities perfectly suited for most people, even seniors. Why is that? The reason is simple. It starts with dancing as a whole. In general, dancing encompasses something bigger that just the steps done and the music being listened and moved to. Dancing involves the interaction of the total person: dancing makes him perform a physical activity; it allows him to interact with others thus enhancing his social interaction; and it stimulates his thinking as he listens to the music, as he plans his movements, and as he smiles to his partner or audience. This he does while making sure that he is enjoying every minute of it.
Thus, dancing involves every aspect in a person: the physical, the mental, the social, and the emotional; it “exercises” the whole person!
Benefits of Dancing
Health – In dancing, the cardiovascular system gets better, the muscle tone improves, and calories are burned. Dancing is considered a low-impact aerobic activity which also develops strength, balance, and flexibility. Dancing sharpens agility, speed, and control.
Dancing
Relaxation – Dancing as a form of exercise is a great stress reliever because it’s done in a fun and pleasant atmosphere.
Social Life – The socialization with other dancers allows a person to meet new people and create new friendships and associations. It affords people a chance to be excited on something; to look forward to dance practices or dance presentations, which in turn improves their attitude towards life. Isn’t it true that when there’s something exciting being looked-forward to, people are more motivated to wake up every morning and do better and become better? This is very important especially with seniors.
Fun – In relation to the benefits dancing brings to a person’s social life, dancing is an awesome way to inject excitement to life. The whole process of learning how to dance and executing the dance as perfectly as possible can be very challenging. But the invaluable thing here that money can not buy is the fun and excitement that happens as dance steps are learned and practiced. It’s what happens during the practices that are very valuable; the friendships forged between dancers. One can just imagine the smiles and the laugh of all the participants during the dance practices.
Here’s another plus: dancing makes a person smart! This is according to a major study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Leisure Activities and the Risk of Dementia in the Elderly . The result of the study added to the growing evidence that stimulating one’s mind can ward off Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. Dancing also increases cognitive acuity at all ages.
All these and more make dancing a perfect activity for people, even seniors. Just a gentle reminder: start slow and enjoy dancing!
