BENEFITS OF DANCING

Source: AGE UK & Centre for Policy on Ageing

Neuroscientist have recently revealed that the number one exercise for slowing down the ageing process is DANCE.

Dance has been shown to improve aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, strength, and flexibility of the lower body, balance and gait.

Additionally, dance can improve muscle tone, coordination, strength and balance.

It can also reduce the risk of falls.

Low impact dancing can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.

It has also shown that cardiovascular exercise can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and maintain a healthy body weight.

It is also a great exercise for the muscles and the heart.

Dancing also involves a heavy cognitive demand – i.e. seniors who dance regularly must memorise movements and routines and react in the moment, particularly when dancing with a partner, whereas activities such as running, cycling, or swimming don’t need to think about the next movement – they just do it.

Research has found that this physical activity has a positive impact on overall mood, helping to reduce depression, stress, anxiety and insomnia. Dancing also stimulates the motor and sensory circuits in the brain.

What also makes dancing unique from other forms of exercise is the addition of music. Musical rhythms stimulate certain areas of the brain often known as our ‘rewards centres’. These regions are associated with the chemical dopamine which affects happiness & well-being, as well as movement and thinking.

Dancing also stimulates the motor and sensory circuits in the brain. These benefits combined offer older adults a unique brain activation they might not get from the gym.

Dancing or watching other people dance, moving to the music, tapping feet to the beat provides an instant form of creative release and a feeling of well-being. It’s not just the dancing, but often the music which can evoke some wonderful memories – and promote such an uplifting effect.

Aging Care states: That people with instances of pre-existing health conditions may benefit by clearing any exercises with a doctor before beginning a new regime.