The benefits of dance for the elderly

Group or individual dancing is a way to stay in shape and create connections among older people.

Dancing is one of the fulfilling activities that attracts many retirees. With age, the body needs more and more movement to maintain its abilities, both motor and cognitive.

Stay fit

Dancing uses the whole body and strengthens the muscles. Dancing regularly is good for cardiovascular health, as well as the pleasure of music. It is an effective way to fight against a sedentary lifestyle and cholesterol. Regular sessions can help limit arthritis or osteoarthritis pain, and reduce the need for certain medications.

Improve balance and mobility

Dancing allows you to naturally work on rhythm and coordination, with movements that contribute to the flexibility of the joints. People who are comfortable with dancing have better posture, the interest among seniors being to reduce the risk of falls and to relieve chronic pain due to aging.

Dancing stimulates the brain

It is a great way to express yourself and release your emotions, dancing reduces stress and anxiety. By memorizing choreography and dance steps, seniors also work on their cognition and short-term memory. Engaging in this type of activity regularly helps limit the risk of developing age-related dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Strengthen your social ties

Dancing in a group creates a friendly atmosphere, which naturally encourages contact and new friendships. By gradually learning to better master movements and give them grace, dance allows many seniors to regain confidence and self-esteem.

DanseTousStyles teachers who have provided dance classes in EHPADs have notably noticed a strong improvement in residents’ motor skills and balance, thus reducing the risk of injury.

“Sometimes taking dance classes is just as effective as making an appointment with the physiotherapist.”

David Issaly, dance teacher and founder of DanseTousStyles

at franceinfo