The Benefits of Ballroom Dancing for the Older Generation

Ballroom dancing is a popular activity for seniors, and with good reason – it keeps older people active and also has social benefits. It’s enjoyable, fun and also a great form of exercise for the older generation as it’s a low impact activity. For a full description of the numerous benefits of ballroom dancing for the elderly, read on.

(Of course it’s a great activity for any age, but find out why dancing the cha cha and the foxtrot is particularly beneficial for pensioners).

Challenges more than your feet

Learning ballroom dancing is no easy feat, even if you have natural rhythm. It challenges your whole system, so apart from the obvious cardio vascular workout, it’s good for coordination, mental alertness and uses vision and hearing too. Having to remember movement sequences is also great for the memory – dancing is a mind-body workout.

It can prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Studies have shown that ballroom dancing twice a week can make people less likely to develop dementia. At a time when the causes of a disease aren’t known and there is no cure, that is a good reason to start dancing! Research also shows that people with Alzheimer’s disease can sometimes remember forgotten memories by dancing to music they used to know.

A social event

Part of the enjoyment surrounding ballroom dancing is the fact that it is social. You need a partner to dance with, you can swap partners throughout the sessions and meet new people. The regular dancers can form a community, and enjoy the social aspects of dancing such as dressing up if they choose to and attending social events or competitions.

It improves balance and prevent falls

As the body becomes weaker with age, falling becomes more frequent. Ballroom dancing is an activity which actively improves balance and coordination, and new research from Brazil has linked the two. Researchers found a 50% improvement in balance and as a result, far fewer falls, from seniors who participated in ballroom dancing three times a week.

It prevents loneliness

Dancing isn’t just great for physical health, it can also have an advantage when it comes to mental health. Loneliness is a real concern for pensioners, and unfortunately five million older people consider their TV as their main form of companionship. Dance classes allow mobile seniors to get together and make friends with other seniors, at least once a week. This social interaction can have a hugely positive impact, and for some it might be their only communication with others. Ballroom dancing is also great for widowed pensioners who may be lonely, as you don’t need a partner to attend sessions.

If you’d like to try out ballroom dancing, or you’d like to search for the nearest class and persuade your grandparent to go along, just search here.

Tags: ballroom dancing, dancing for pensioners, dance classes for seniors