Dancing as you get older can have physical and mental benefits. It's no wonder that Carol Ross, at 87 years old, can't stop smiling at dance practice. She's been dancing her whole life, and it's the best. Ross founded the Rodeo City Wreckettes group 23 years ago, bringing together women aged 50 and older to tap and jazz. This is a testament to the power of dance for older adults, as Ross and her husband, John, both 87, have long known.
Julio Loya, a nurse and geriatric program coordinator at the Tucson Medical Center, agrees. He says, 'Dancing is one of the most powerful activities for older people.' Dance, like other exercise, can help people lose weight, get stronger, reduce fall risk, increase mobility, and even improve brain health. It engages their brain, changes their mood, and connects them socially while getting them moving. And it's fun.
Dr. Tom Johnson, a gerontologist at the UC Health Seniors Clinic in Aurora, Colorado, shares a story about a patient who danced until the day he died in his late 80s. This passion for dance was so strong that he willed himself to attend one last class before he passed away. Johnson says dance can improve balance, and he recommends adding two to three dance sessions to the 150 minutes of aerobic exercise older patients should get each week.
The benefits of dance extend beyond physical health. The Wreckettes, for example, perform throughout the year, from holiday events to rodeo shows, and they even perform for memory care patients in retirement homes. They take turns picking a favorite charity to donate their earnings. This not only brings joy to the performers but also to the audience, as seen by the perked-up faces of the memory care patients once the music starts.
The fun of performing is a significant draw for these groups. The Vegas Golden Gals, a similar dance group for older women in Las Vegas, also performs at retirement homes and adds pompoms to their routines. Cheryl Cortez, the group's president, says she knows close to 40 routines, which is great for memory.
For those who want to start moving to music, health professionals and dance instructors offer some tips. Before starting, check with your health provider and choose something simple like line dancing. Find a class at a local community center or senior center, or try YouTube videos. Dress comfortably, warm up, and stretch before class. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the benefits of dance for your mind and body.
