‘Keep dancing’, as research shows, helps people over 85 to stay healthy

Regular dance sessions may benefit people over 85 by helping them be physically active, socialize and reconnect with their younger selves, according to new research led by the University of Leeds.

The “Dance On” project was run by researchers from the University’s School of Biomedical Sciences, along with One Dance UK, Yorkshire Dance and darts, Doncaster’s participatory arts charity. It turned out that even people who are considered the “oldest of the elderly” – over the age of 85 – can benefit from regular dance classes to improve their well-being and mobility.

The classes, which took place in Leeds, Bradford and Doncaster, welcomed 685 over 55s into weekly dance classes over a 12-month period. With an average (mean) age of 75 years, more than a third of the participants came from highly disadvantaged communities.

Dr. Sarah Astill, Associate Professor of Motor Control at the School of Biomedical Sciences in Leeds, led the university research team. She said: “Physical inactivity is recognized as one of the leading risk factors for non-infectious disease and mortality. Over time there is a decline in physical activity in older adults, and this is particularly evident in people over the age of 75 Opportunities to engage adults in physical activity are a global priority as they support healthy aging and slow progression of disease and disability.”

She added: “We’re showing that dance, taught in different socioeconomically diverse communities, is a viable way to get older adults physically active. This is evident even for the ‘oldest old’ of 85+.”

At the end of the trial, the researchers found that people who participated engaged in more weekly physical activity and maintained it for 12 months.

Their view of their own well-being also improved, with participants saying they felt stronger, more confident and “years younger”.

One Doncaster contestant said “After a Dance On session I feel exhausted but brilliant! I’m a lot better now than I’ve ever been.”

Another added: “It has really changed my lifestyle because since I’ve retired I think I’ve regressed. It’s definitely improved my lifestyle and I feel years younger in the few months I’ve been coming. I feel a lot better .”

The other organizations involved in the trial also welcomed the positive results, with darts director Lucy Robertshaw saying: “The opportunity to take part in this research was fantastic – we really got an insight into the positive long-term effects of sustained involvement. in social dance and movement activities.It’s been great working with the University of Leeds, One Dance UK and Yorkshire Dance regionally, then locally with Doncaster Council’s Get Doncaster Moving program to embed learning and manners to continue the Dance On program so that many more people can benefit.”

Andrew Hurst, CEO of One Dance UK, said: “Dance is such a powerful tool to support physical and mental health. We are delighted to have published these important research findings which highlight the impact of the Dance On project in significantly increasing physical activity in over 680 older adults from diverse communities in Leeds, Bradford and Doncaster.

“The Dance On project research report previously highlighted positive effects on mental health including reduced anxiety and improvements in enjoyment of life as a result of Dance On. One Dance UK is proud and excited about the tremendous impact of the work of our dedicated group of Dance On partners – darts, Yorkshire Dance and the University of Leeds – have been able to contribute to the execution of this important work.”

“Yorkshire Dance has been at the forefront of dance program design for older adults for many years. We are delighted that Dance On is now an evidence-based program that demonstrates the effectiveness of participating in regular dance activities as you age. We hope this leads to future investment in this valuable work that helps people live healthier and happier lives.”

In the research, published in BMC Geriatrics, the team reported that dance sessions are particularly accessible to people in deprived areas, as classes can be organized cheaply and there is no special equipment in safe indoor environments. For older people, dance can help connect with previous dance experiences when they were younger, encouraging fun and a sense of community, she added.

The work, which began as a smaller project called “Dancing in Time” in 2015, continues with music and movement sessions now delivered in care homes and Dr. Astill will present their findings at the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity’s 2023 conference in Uppsala, Sweden, later this month.

The researchers also want municipalities, health officials and charities to think sideways about what kind of activity they could promote or fund to help older people get active, and to consider dance as an accessible and effective option.