Have you ever considered taking up social dancing? It is not only a pleasurable way to connect with a partner but can also significantly improve your physical and mental health when you are older. Medical professionals often use it as a type of therapy to treat conditions that range from eating disorders to depression.
Below are just 5 benefits of social dancing that will improve your physical well-being, create strong connections with others and increase your overall happiness no matter what your age.
1. Improved strength, muscle function, and balance
It’s normal for our bodies to lose muscle mass, coordination, and balance as the years go by. This increases the risk of falls and injuries in our day-to-day activities. Dancing socially can help prevent this occurrence. It not only improves strength and muscle functions in older adults but also increases their balance and flexibility. In a study, sedentary seniors who took a multi-week dance program were found to have better posture and motor performance among other findings. This has been proven across multiple styles of dance.
2. Increased cardiovascular health.
Dancing also improves cardiovascular health which in turn decreases the chances of getting heart disease because it stimulates the blood flow throughout the body. Just being physically active encourages older adults to adopt other healthy behaviors like staying on top of their medications, eating a healthier diet, and taking on more social activities. It helps them feel more comfortable and aware of their body as they age.
3. Reduced risk of dementia.
Several studies have shown a link between dancing and a reduced risk of dementia. A group of older adults was evaluated to see what activities had an impact on dementia rates. The conclusion was that cycling, swimming, and golf, did not reduce the risk of dementia. Reading and doing regular crossword puzzles reduced the risk by 35 to 50%, and those who ballroom danced frequently had a 76%! risk reduction.
There were also studies conducted during several dancing sessions at retirement homes. Those who suffered from dementia found pleasure when they were dancing.
4. Cognitive benefits.
The cognitive benefits of social dancing for seniors are less obvious than the physical ones, but they are still present. Early research indicates that dancing increases the brain’s activity because it forms neural connections and improves the speed of the dancer’s neural processes increasing their concentration. It can also reduce feelings of stress and depression and keep the brain sharp. Ballroom dancing helps encourage rapid decision-making which improves an older dancer’s cognitive health.
5. Builds social connection
A group of women over 60 who were interviewed by researchers, agreed that social dancing made them feel more integrated into the community, led them to join charitable groups and activities, and introduced them to other like-minded people.
This has been seen in multiple countries and cultures across the world where dancing at any age is very popular. Dancing in a social environment improves the behavior and communication between participants, long after the activity is over. It also gives older people a space where they feel free to express themselves and develop personal relationships.
If you are looking for a fun way to exercise, consider taking a dance class or joining groups that offer social dancing opportunities. You’ll find that your health, posture, and balance improve, and your social and cognitive well-being will benefit as well.
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