Dancing is fun. It gets you moving, it’s a great way to interact with people, and it can be done at any age. From our earliest days, moving to music seems natural and it should be encouraged throughout our whole lives.
There are many benefits of dancing for seniors. Unfortunately, as we age, we slow down and stop moving as much as we used to. Dancing is a great way to keep moving and having some fun.
Improves Balance
When our muscles get weaker from age and less activity, it can have an effect on our balance and coordination. This can lead to falls, and that is bad news for seniors.
Dancing will help build muscles that we need to step from side to side, back and forth, and even tighten our core muscles. Learning new dance steps requires concentration and helps to improve foot-eye coordination.
Sometimes just getting used to moving in a different way will help to improve coordination and balance. Decreasing the risk of falls or other accidents is a great plus.
Cardio Workout
Even a slow dance requires a bit of effort. The longer you dance and the faster you can dance, the better the workout. Dancing gets your heart pumping and helps circulation.
It’s a great way to keep extra weight off, is great for weight management, lowers your blood pressure, and strengthens muscles around the heart.
Even for those who have limited mobility, they can still dance on a walker or seated. Any type of movement should be encouraged, as the benefits are both mental and physical.
Great for Mental Health
Dancing is fun and that makes you smile, laugh, and move. Participating in a fun activity like dancing can relieve stress, improve mood, and allow you to have fun with others.
Even dancing on your own is beneficial. Any type of movement you can engage in that you enjoy will brighten your mood, get your circulation moving, and release endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancer.
It’s also great for keeping your mind sharp. Learning a few new complicated dance steps requires you to memorize them and practice them.
Social Interaction
Unfortunately for many seniors, they often spend a lot of time alone. Their partner may have passed, the kids have moved away, and isolation is a dangerous thing for seniors.
Joining a dance class or a dance group is a great way to not only get exercise but to meet and socialize with people. People who may be in the same situation as you.
You will also find people who enjoy the same things you do. This can lead to lasting friendships and encourage you to get out and dance more often.
Low Impact
Depending on the type of dancing you are trying, it doesn’t require a lot of effort or any special equipment or space. You can dance almost anywhere, even in small spaces.
It’s easy on hips, knees, backs, and feet. Just an easy way of moving to music is still going to provide all the benefits you are looking for when it comes to dancing for health and fun.
People will be at varying levels of ability, so keeping it simple is best. Once you know where their skills are, you can introduce more complex levels of dance movements and steps.
Types of Dances for Seniors
Sometimes, just playing some music and letting people dance to their own beat is the most effective way to get seniors moving. As long as the space is safe, people are wearing proper shoes and clothing, and there is plenty of space to move around.
Ballroom dancing requires a bit more effort but it is still low-impact and a great workout. Line dancing is another fun one that encourages social interaction and coordination.
Any type of dancing that people are willing to engage in is the right dance. Whether a seasoned pro or a chair dancer, dancing for seniors has plenty of benefits.
For those worried about the safety of their senior loved ones during physical activities like dancing, a Medical Alert system offers peace of mind. It ensures that in any situation, emergency or non-emergency, help is readily available, enabling seniors to dance and enjoy its benefits with confidence.