It’s easy to overlook the many benefits of dancing, not only for your body but for your mental health as well. The great thing about dancing is that there are so many genres of it, so you are bound to find one that works for you. Whether you are into hip hop, ballet, modern, or even line dancing, there are benefits to engaging in these activities regardless of their intensity level.
And dancing is great at any age – even for older adults who might be looking for a way to keep active and healthy. As a low-impact cardio workout, dancing is a great way to have fun and get moving at the same time for seniors looking for a physical activity to commit to. And commitment to an activity is always easier when you are having fun in the process, as some people might find the monotony of traditional exercising boring and difficult to stick with.
Here are three ways that dancing is a great workout for older adults.
1. Participating in an Activity that Improves Physical Health
Low-impact dancing is a great solution for seniors who are looking for an activity that is gentle on their bodies. And because dancing is not as repetitive as other workouts, there is less chance of injuring one area of your body that gets overused.
Any physical activity is important for keeping a healthy heart, strong muscles, and low blood pressure. Dancing provides all these things, as well as an opportunity to improve balance and coordination.
By improving physical health, seniors run less of a risk of developing diseases or possibly injuring themselves in the future.
2. A Great Workout for your Brain
Not only does dancing have great physical benefits, but it is also a great way to improve your memory and reduce risk of dementia. This is because dancing is a full-on experience that stimulates several areas of your brain, like the area for memory, social interaction, body-coordination, and complex motor actions.
3. An Opportunity for Social Interaction
Dancing is a great way to meet new people and interact with them at a level that goes beyond simply conversing. That’s why a number of senior living centres arrange dance classes for their residents, giving them an opportunity to engage in physical activity while interacting with others.
Social interaction is important at any age, as it can significantly improve a person’s mood, as well as keep their mind active and healthy. Dancing is a great way to make new friends at your senior living residence, and you’ll feel more comfortable going through the experience with other people who might also be beginners.
Find What Works for You
Even if you don’t think that you’re a good dancer, or if you feel shy showing off your moves in front of other people, it’s worth giving it a try – you might be surprised to find out that dancing comes more naturally to you than you realize, and that you actually enjoy it.