Which fitness regime works best for you? Research gives us a new answer. A secret to staying fit as you age. It is none other than dancing! An Australian study defines that people felt happier, experienced higher energy levels, greater flexibility, improved posture and an enhanced sense of achievement after taking up dance especially ballet.
Dance as an art form not only rejuvenates the body but gets each and every bone in the body to rhythmically move towards calmness. The physical benefits of movement and dance on ageing bodies is well documented and this study re-enforces these findings.
Taking dance classes can boost energy levels, flexibility and happiness in older adults and help them age better, the study has found.
Researchers from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia examined the health and wellbeing benefits of dancing. Over a three-month project, researchers found that people who practiced dance, experienced much higher engagement levels and were more zealous towards life in general. This obviously had positive effects on their bodily aging mechanism. They also felt happier and enjoyed a sense of community and friendship.
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“The project critically investigated older adults’ motivations to participate in ballet, the health and wellbeing outcomes for active older adults, and the examination of the teaching practices involved in this delivery,” said Felicity Mandile from QUT.
“We weren’t surprised by the research findings, which strongly indicated that ballet participation is considered to be a highly pleasurable activity for active older adults. We found that ballet participation may contribute to positive outcomes across various health and wellbeing categories and promotes a general feeling of wellbeing,” she said.
Performance psychologist and former professional ballet dancer professor Gene Moyle from QUT said movement, be it dance or other forms of exercise, was a critical factor in better ageing.
“The physical benefits of movement and dance on ageing bodies is well documented and our project really re-enforces these findings, however additionally highlights the joy and benefits social connections in dance can bring to people’s lives,” said Moyle.
Overall, people involved with dance were positively euphoric and transformational in the pleasure they felt at being part of such engagements.
So, what are you waiting for…. put on your dancing shoes and hit the dance floor for a healthier and well-rounded life ahead.