The Importance of Dance for motor control in older adults

Life is a dance. Mindfulness is witnessing that dance’ Amit Ray

The joys of dance are known to many – exercise, freedom of movement and creative expression to name a few.  It is an activity that may allow older people to improve physical and well being outcomes1 which is important when you consider people over 60 commonly experience a decline in physical activity2. 

A systematic review examined 18 studies to explore the physical health benefits of variety of dance types amongst older adults and found that regardless of the type, dance can significantly improve functional fitness including balance, strength and endurance2.  Another study suggested that dancing may also improve gait and agility whilst reducing the falls risk1.   Interestingly, one study looked at the effectiveness of contemporary dance compared to more traditional motor training (i.e. falls risk) programs and suggested it supports attention control in older adults3 which may have implications for the growing population of people experiencing cognitive impairments. 

The potential benefits of dance are considerable and it is an activity that can be so easily adapted to suit an individual’s age, physical ability and preferences2.  Madam Suzelle Poole would know – she started dancing when she was 7 years old.  Now 77 years rich years later, she still performs and through her teaching inspires the next generation of dancers coming through the ranks!

 Click below to watch an inspiring 77 year old dancer’s zest for life!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=tP214lJtKlM&app=desktop

References

1. Keogh JW, Kilding A, Pidgeon P, Ashley L, Gillis D. Physical benefits of dancing for healthy older adults: a review. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 2009;17(4):479-500. doi:10.1123/japa.17.4.479

2. Hwang PW, Braun KL. The effectiveness of dance interventions to improve older adults' health: A systematic literature review. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2015;21(5):64-70.

3. Coubard O A, Duretz S, Lefebvre V, Lapalus P, Ferrufino L. Practice of contemporary dance improves cognitive flexibility in aging. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.  2011: 3, 13. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2011.00013