Health Benefits of Dancing

Dancing has been a part of human life for thousands of years. Dance lifts the spirit while benefiting the body, and anyone can learn basic dance moves with some practice. And because dancing is not dependent upon the season, you can enjoy it all year round, which is especially important here in Arizona.

Why should we dance? 

Dance can be a gentle and painless way to exercise, engaging the mind and body in an enjoyable way that does not feel like typical exercise. Additionally, it causes fewer injuries due to its low-impact movements, which are less repetitive and more fluid than those of other types of exercise.

Here are a dozen benefits of dance for seniors:

1. Cardiovascular Health - Dancing provides low-impact cardio at an activity level that produces many of the same heart and pulmonary benefits as traditional cardio exercises.
2. Strength and Endurance - Dancing builds muscle strength in almost every part of the body. It increases your ability to perform daily tasks with a lower chance of injury or falling due to frailty. 
3. Improved Bone Health - Dancing requires movement, which enhances bone strength by increasing bone mass.
4. Weight Management - For seniors, dancing offers a comprehensive, whole-body workout that results in significant calorie burn.
5. Increased Energy Levels - Dancing stimulates the production of feel-good hormones, such as serotonin and endorphins, which makes you feel more energized.
6. Flexibility - Dancing can help you avoid other injuries by keeping your joints loose and enabling more movement with less physical discomfort.
7. Agility - Dancing helps you regain some of the agility that we tend to lose as we age.
8. Balance - Dancing requires you to use balance as you move, step, and turn. Your base of support changes with each movement, and your brain and body respond by enhancing your ability to adjust and maintain your balance.
9. Brain function - Dancing can improve cognitive functions and reduce brain atrophy in older adults who are at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  The memorization of steps and the focus required by older people result in increased brain activity, promoting better cognitive function. Plus, it is more fun than taking Prevagen! 
10. More Opportunities for Social Interaction - Dancing and listening to music are great social activities. Whether you take a structured dance class or simply dance at a party or celebration, you will meet people with similar interests in a non-competitive activity that is all about having fun.
11. Decreased Stress - Dancing can help take your mind off stressors and get a break from your worries. Additionally, music can soothe, inspire, and evoke pleasant memories in a way that nothing else can.
12. Boosted Confidence - Dancing can improve your physical, mental, emotional, and social health, so you are bound to feel more confident about yourself and the world around you.