It was once said, “There are shortcuts to happiness and dancing is one of them.” What also seems to be true is that dancing can be a “shortcut” to other aspects of physical and emotional well-being. Both from ongoing research and the insights of those who have spent their lives dancing, it appears that the physical movement of dance, coupled with the joy and emotional fulfillment it can bring, enables those who dance to lead healthier, longer lives.

First, regarding the scientific research: A new study, just presented at the 2021 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, looked at the cognition and mobility of older adults who participated in Latin-dance training. With the demands of memorizing and recalling steps, as well as the coordination and balance required to execute the dance moves, participants in the study showed “significant improvement” in their working memory and mobility after a 4-month training program followed by a 4-month maintenance program. To find out more, put on some music and step here. Another recent study looked at the physical benefits of dance in women over 50. Published in the journal Menopause, this study looked at a small group of post-menopausal women who participated in 90-minute dance sessions, 3x/week for 16 weeks. The results? Researchers found the dance sessions to be incredibly effective in improving the participants’ physical fitness and cardiac health, as well as lowering cholesterol. The dance program was also found to be a valuable weight management tool and self-esteem builder. As one recent article on this study concluded, “Dancing might be just what the doctor ordered for women over 50 to live longer, healthier lives.” In essence, throwing yourself into dance, and allowing yourself to get a real cardiac workout, sweat and all, may be just as effective for your health and well-being as other aerobic exercises.

If you’re looking to find a dance program specifically tailored for older adults, you may want to check out the new program developed by the internationally renowned dance troupe Pilobolus. As you will see from this recent CBS News profile, Pilobolus, founded 50 years ago as a dance troupe for non-dancers who wanted to be creative with their bodies, now has a program employing their dance techniques to help older adults with movement and balance. You can either stream pre-recorded videos of these sessions or participate in live Zoom sessions which will begin in September. For more on this program, pull on some tights and click here. 

Finally, get ready to be inspired about the benefits of dance for a long and healthy life with the stories of 106-year-old Eileen Kramer of Australia, and 96-year-old Stuart Hodes of the United States. Ms. Kramer is still dancing, choreographing, and creating to this day, despite her age. Her explanation? “I’m not old, I’ve just been here a long time and learned a few things along the way.” Mr. Hodes was recently featured in a video profile on the PBS series, “Brief But Spectacular” discussing how dance has taken him into old age. He began his dance career after being a military pilot and performed with the Martha Graham dance company for many years. You can listen to him discuss the “magic” of dance for his life and if you’re smitten by his charm, you can get a copy of his recently published memoir, Onstage with Martha Graham, here.