Health & Medicine, UK (Commonwealth Union) – As we age, it becomes increasingly important for us to remain physically and mentally active. Leading an active lifestyle has numerous benefits that contribute to their overall health, well-being, and quality of life. Regular physical activity helps older adults maintain strength, flexibility, and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. It supports healthy bones and joints, reduces the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, and promotes healthy weight management. Engaging in activities like walking, swimming, yoga, or strength training can enhance cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, and overall physical function. There are many other benefits that include improved Cognitive Function, Emotional Well-being, Disease Prevention and Management among others.
Recent research conducted by the University of Leeds has noted that dance sessions held often can be advantageous to those above 85 years by assisting them to remain physically active, socialize, and reconnect with their younger selves.
A project known as “Dance On” is conducted by researchers of the University of Leeds, School of Biomedical Sciences, together with One Dance UK, Yorkshire Dance and Darts, Doncaster’s participatory arts charity. Observations were made indicating that even those who were considered the “oldest old” above 85 years, can take advantage of regular dance classes which can enhance their wellbeing as well as mobility.
The classes were conducted in locations across Leeds, Bradford and Doncaster, that welcomed 685 individuals who were over 55 years old to a weekly dance class over a 12-month period. An average age of 75 years was noted, for over a 3rd of individuals who participated that were from highly disadvantaged communities.
Dr Sarah Astill, Associate Professor in Motor Control from the university’s School of Biomedical Sciences led the study team. She indicated that physical inactivity is recognized as one of the primary risks for non-infectious diseases along with mortality. Over time there is a reduction in physical activity in elderly persons and this is particularly evident for individuals over 75 years old. Opportunities to interact with adults in physical activity are a priority across the globe as it backs healthy ageing and slow the progression of the disease as well as disability.
Dr Astill further indicated that they demonstrated that dance provided for across a range of socially and economically diverse communities, is a practical method to involve elderly persons in physical activities. This was observed even among those who were the oldest old’ at 85+ years.”
On the completion of the trial, the researchers discovered that those who had participated increased the amount of physical activity they conducted weekly, and continued this over the 12 months.
Researchers indicated that the perceptions they had of their own well-being were enhanced, with participants pointing out that they felt stronger, more confident as well as “years younger”.
“It’s really changed my lifestyle because since I retired, I think I was deteriorating. It’s certainly improved my lifestyle and I feel years younger in just the fact of the few months that I’ve been coming. I feel a lot better,” were the views of a participant.
The other organizations collaborating in the trial have welcomed the positive outcomes as well, with darts director Lucy Robertshaw who said “The opportunity to take part in this research has been fantastic – we’ve gained real insight into the positive long-term impacts of sustained engagement in social dance and movement activity. It has been great to work collaboratively with the University of Leeds, One Dance UK and Yorkshire Dance regionally, and then with Doncaster Council’s Get Doncaster Moving programme locally to embed the learning and explore ways to continue the Dance On programme so that many more people can benefit.”
