For seniors, being active doesn’t have to be limited to exercise routines or everyday movements like walking. Dancing is another equally beneficial way for your elderly loved one to reap the many rewards of staying active. In fact, it can be a thoroughly enjoyable way to keep moving and stay fit. Continue reading to discover six of the top benefits of dancing for the elderly.
1. Maintains Balance
Even casual or beginning dancers need to work on balance and coordination to complete the various movements involved with any form of dancing. This is important for seniors, since good balance reduces the risk of falling, which is one of the top causes of hospitalization for older adults. Dancing also strengthens the arm and leg muscles that help with coordination and balance.
2. Increases Mental Health
An Australian study on dancing found participants who did the tango at least twice a week as part of a dance program reported a reduction in stress and anxiety. When coupled with enjoyable music and a relaxed setting, dancing could boost your loved one’s state of mind even more.
3. Boosts Memory & Brain Function
According to the CDC, there’s a positive connection between the areas of the brain that control memory-related functions and activities like dancing. This is more likely to be the case with choreographed dancing that requires participants to follow certain patterns. You can help your parent do this in a non-stressful way by doing the steps together or breaking them down into easy-to-follow movements.
The cognitive benefits of dancing can be especially valuable for aging adults living with dementia. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional Dementia Care. Portland families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
4. Provides Social Opportunities
It’s not uncommon for older adults to have fewer opportunities to socialize and connect with others. Dancing is an excellent way to participate in a fun activity with others. This can be done at home with other family members or as part of a local or online-based senior dance class.
5. Helps with Health & Fitness Goals
Regular dancing can help your loved one cross many goals off his or her health and fitness to-do list. For instance, dancing provides good cardiovascular exercise, since it gets the heart pumping. It’s also an aerobic form of exercise that can help seniors by:
- Burning excess calories
- Increasing overall energy
- Enhancing circulation
- Keeping joints healthy
What’s more, dancing can be done at a comfortable pace. Even if your loved one has some issues with mobility, dancing can be enjoyed in a seated position, with support provided by a partner, or in a pool, which provides support with the natural buoyancy of water.
Even seniors with mobility issues or health challenges can still get the benefits of exercise, especially with the help of trained professional caregivers. Elderly home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
6. Promotes Independence
Dancing promotes a more independent lifestyle by giving seniors a fun way to exercise and increase their mobility, flexibility, balance, and mood. These benefits can be transferred to other daily routines and activities in a way that safely allows for more independence. Your loved one may even reach a point where he or she feels confident enough to explore other types of dancing, especially with other aging adults.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional Home Care. Portland families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Assisting Hands Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 503-664-7934 to learn more about our customized care plans.
