It's the endorphins released when you dance. You feel better and you are better. Even when I thought I was too tired or not in the mood to dance, if I just forced myself to go my weekly English or Contra dance, I always felt better when I left. Focusing totally on something completely different, interacting with other dancers, moving to music -- it all adds up. I highly recommend it!
2
I can believe it. Dancing involves not just physical movements but also social and emotional interactions, spatial, auditory and mental exercises. It is well known music and mathematics are related. So there are a lot more about dancing than just physical movements
1
Good article - but a little bitty detail is in error. Dr. Burznska's study involved CONTRA dance - and Contra is NOT a mis-spelling of "country! Contra dance is available all over the United States. It is a community dance, open to all, generally run by non-profits staffed by volunteers, always live music. To find a contra dance near you, just search for "contra dancing", and / or look for The Dance Gypsy site. The recently aired CNN program was filmed at a Contra dance in Denver, Colorado. We hope to see you soon!
Pat Sulik, Board President, Friends of Traditional Dance (Fort Collins, CO)
(And did I mention - contra dances are a heck of a lot of fun?)
Pat Sulik, Board President, Friends of Traditional Dance (Fort Collins, CO)
(And did I mention - contra dances are a heck of a lot of fun?)
3
Hi Patricia--If you read the paper Gretchen wrote this article about the authors do actually make reference to using social dance styles i.e. "Contra and English Country Dancing."
I understand the confusion, but I think she just did not differentiate between the two styles in her writing and it is not in fact a typo.
Cheers
I understand the confusion, but I think she just did not differentiate between the two styles in her writing and it is not in fact a typo.
Cheers
“[A] new study that compared the neurological effects of country dancing with those of walking and other activities suggests that there may be something unique about learning a social dance. The demands it places on the mind and body could make it unusually potent at slowing some of the changes inside our skulls that seem otherwise inevitable with aging.”
Country dancing requires a partner, and this old man may not find one; so walking will have to do for now; but I walk several miles a day, so perhaps I don’t have to be so social after all?
“[R]esearchers from the University of Illinois in Urbana and other schools decided to look at the effects of several different types of exercise on the wiring and the function of older people’s brains. … [E]ngaging in ‘any activities involving moving and socializing … might perk up mental abilities in aging brains.”
OK, I will continue to spend hours every week walking to bars and restaurants, so that I can socialize with the bartenders and servers. They tend to be more friendly than the patrons I meet; but at least I’ll get some social engagement with my walking, which should work out almost as good as finding a country dance partner!
Country dancing requires a partner, and this old man may not find one; so walking will have to do for now; but I walk several miles a day, so perhaps I don’t have to be so social after all?
“[R]esearchers from the University of Illinois in Urbana and other schools decided to look at the effects of several different types of exercise on the wiring and the function of older people’s brains. … [E]ngaging in ‘any activities involving moving and socializing … might perk up mental abilities in aging brains.”
OK, I will continue to spend hours every week walking to bars and restaurants, so that I can socialize with the bartenders and servers. They tend to be more friendly than the patrons I meet; but at least I’ll get some social engagement with my walking, which should work out almost as good as finding a country dance partner!
1
Rod, contra dance does not require that you come with a partner. Most of us arrive alone, and dance with a dozen or more partners each evening. Tapestry Folk Dance Center in Minneapolis (http://tapestryfolkdance.org) holds a dance most Saturday evenings. They'll teach you the basics, and most experienced dancers will be quite willing to dance with you, and will be very forgiving of your mistakes. We were all Newbies once!
- Paul Lieberman, Queen Anne MD
- Paul Lieberman, Queen Anne MD
6
I hope you go! I go to a dance class 3 times a week and it's the most fun way to exercise.
1
Try modern square dancing. No partner needed and there usually are more women than men. Found this club in your city. http://www.squaredancemaplegrove.com/
What about a lifetime of dancing professionally? What is the penetration/% of Alzheimer's in this demographic particularly if they dance up to an age where it's physically impossible?
5
There are quite a few studies in the medical literature over many years suggesting that dancing is helpful for patients with Parkinson's Disease. Particularly notable are studies by Italian neurologist, Daniele Volpe and colleagues. See eg., https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2318-13-54
A comparison of Irish set dancing and exercises for people with Parkinson’s disease.
This study is from 2013, there have been other studies which are also supportive.
A comparison of Irish set dancing and exercises for people with Parkinson’s disease.
This study is from 2013, there have been other studies which are also supportive.
2
If this is true, why does it seem that only brain-damaged celebrities agree to compete on Dancing with the Stars?
8
I start dancing late in life , a few years ago , and I think it is the best for my body and my mind . I go to Gaga , that is the name and it was the movie Mr, Gaga , that I recommend to
Honestly! All this obsession by humans on how to stop a natural ageing process of the brain; if dancing was good for the brain them Africans and tribal people would be the most intellectual people in the world and solve all their countries problems themselves. Dancing is great and only people with a good memory can remember how to dance as people with dementia cannot learn dance steps. In my opinion, people are living longer so there will be more people around with memory loss. I take one Bio-curcumin tablet a day, and think my memory is getting better as I get older.
I was really into salsa dancing a number of years ago, and in fact was dancing so often that I was losing weight (which I did not want...I'm thin...) and so I had to make a real effort to eat more, to keep the weight on. But wow.... the dancing was so good for me, on so many levels. Aerobically.... socially....mood-wise.... I made tons of friends...it made me feel vibrant, alive, sexy ...and... I'm sure it does help parts of the brain insofar as...when it comes to salsa social dancing, especially as a female follower.... you never know what the different male partners you dance with will throw at you... since it's the women's role to 'follow' the male dancer's lead, we followers must be able to interpret and develop a 'response' to the male's lead, in a split second. There's not always a clear right or wrong 'follow' to a given 'lead', and so many times the female follower either has to guess or else just 'create' her own follow, while also calculating how long of a follow or step/routine she can do, before anticipating that the man will give her another signal or lead. The fact that this is all handled by the followers within milliseconds, is really quite fascinating.
7
Why did you stop??
I initially thought this headline said "Dancing May be great for Britain'. Upon re-reading, I was disappointed that I would not see Theresa May performing British dance (Morris dancing, perhaps?).
1
I've been dancing for many years and love every minute of it. Glad to know it's good for the body, mind and soul. I certainly feel younger than my age !
3
Those of us who have been dancing all our lives know that it benefits our brains as much as our bodies. For the past ten years I've been attending several dance classes each week at our local Y. Most of us in the classes are women "of a certain age" including our instructor, who changes the dances every 3-4 months. We have to learn the new choreography of many dances, a challenge to mind and body. It's great fun and great exercise. I started dancing at 7. Now I'm 70 and I'm still dancing.
3
Argentine tango, not the ballroom tango seen on Dancing with the Stars, is a near perfect exercise for seniors. It does not require enormous physical strength or endurance to do well. It builds balance. focus, and body awareness and is all about connecting deeply with other people. For the many people who spent their working lives on right brain activities, learning tango is like learning a new and totally different language like Mandarin. That combined with learning to navigate a crowded floor at the same time as focusing full attention of your partner is a real brain workout. Plus, as an older person you get to spend a lot of time hugging and being hugged by younger people - and having them like it. I took it up at age 65. At 72 I can go to a festival or Buenos Aires and be at a milonga (dance) seven hours a day for days on end.
8
It's interesting that the original article I saw in Colorado referenced contra, but this one just said country dance. I took up contra, and waltzing, and swing about 6 years ago, and contra is by far the most aerobic of those that I have tried. If you have a good band and a good caller, it is incredibly invigorating. On the other hand, I like the intimacy and precision of the waltz, and the energy of the swing. I guess that the real point is that you should just get out and dance, and you will get out of it what you put into it.
6
Though I love dancing, I'm always intimidated when I go social dancing without a partner. But this article has inspired me to go out and try again.
I miss the elation I feel when I'm immersed in the music and the movement.
If I stumble a bit, I'll swallow my ego and try again.
Thanks for the inspiration.
I miss the elation I feel when I'm immersed in the music and the movement.
If I stumble a bit, I'll swallow my ego and try again.
Thanks for the inspiration.
7
You don't need a partner for contra or country dancing!
1
You don't need to come to the contra dance with a partner. It is a friendly group and people will ask you to dance!
2
Dance offer a lot of opportunities and styles in which you don´t need a partner. Try with contemporary, contact-dance, flamenco, hip-hop, etc. and enjoy!!!
1
Another example of superfluous "neuro" research. The brain effects don't tell anything valuable or useful. The behavioral and cognitive tests are more than enough to conclude that there is (or is not) an effect. But everyone now believes that showing the brain correlates of a behavioral or cognitive activity or change - and absolutely all such activities and changes do - makes them more real, as if only thanks to an fMRI could one demonstrate that a particular activity has a significant effect...
1
I do Zumba, which may be a little less social, but it's strenuous and requires thinking, speed, and agility. The music and mood are usually very joyful too. I have tried Contra dancing, but the last time I went the fast twirling gave me a migraine. And the group is clique-y. I would like to see dance classes designed for creating community as well as dancing and the health benefits. A good leader could facilitate a welcoming social environment.
Speaking of fit elderly people, I hiked House Mountain near Knoxville, TN on Sunday and saw an elderly man moving agilely down a steep part of the trail. He was wearing no shirt and no shoes and was tanned and fit. He was holding forth on which kind of water is healthier to his younger companions. He had thin strips of duct tape around his bare toes.
I would love to know more about this man's story!
Some people aren't waiting for research to tell them how to get healthy; they're already doing it. What folk wisdom is out there about aging? Maybe other countries have useful folk wisdom about how to age healthily ( the barefoot mountain man had a German-ish accent). Our science might not be able to find the mechanisms behind healthy aging (as this study didn't find a correlation with white matter). It would be nice if research would corroborate or disprove folk and alternative wisdom, but it's probably best not to wait.
Speaking of fit elderly people, I hiked House Mountain near Knoxville, TN on Sunday and saw an elderly man moving agilely down a steep part of the trail. He was wearing no shirt and no shoes and was tanned and fit. He was holding forth on which kind of water is healthier to his younger companions. He had thin strips of duct tape around his bare toes.
I would love to know more about this man's story!
Some people aren't waiting for research to tell them how to get healthy; they're already doing it. What folk wisdom is out there about aging? Maybe other countries have useful folk wisdom about how to age healthily ( the barefoot mountain man had a German-ish accent). Our science might not be able to find the mechanisms behind healthy aging (as this study didn't find a correlation with white matter). It would be nice if research would corroborate or disprove folk and alternative wisdom, but it's probably best not to wait.
2
Hit the Tango scene in Buenos Aires any night of the week and you'll find hordes of folks over sixty five from all over the world a wake after midnight, dressed in their finest, flirting on the dance floor and still feeling a little attractive to the opposite sex. How could you not have a smile on your face. Since I don't speak Spanish very well, I can't comment on their cognitive levels.
3
What if you're like me and can't keep a rhythm and/or feel extremely self conscious when attempting to dance?
1
Only you will care. Square Dancers are not judgemental.
3
A class in hand-drumming taught me how to hear and dance on the beat, and dance classes took away the self-consciousness. Be sure to take a type of dance class where you like the kind of music they play. You have to feel incompetent for awhile, but not for as long as you might think.
5
Hi hen3ry, As an experienced social dancer I can tell you that you should not be self conscious about your lack of rhythm. Keeping a beat for the most part can be learned. Take a lot of lessons, stick with simple steps (tips: nothing fancy, never throw a women off her balance...instead guide her), listen to the music, connect with your partner, and have fun. Social dancing is really about a momentary relationship between the leader and follower with social etiquettes to music. And remember to be a gentleman. Oddly enough, I find that American men have the biggest problem with this concept. If you get it right you'll be more popular than the best dancer in the room. Good luck!
5
Come to a Saturday night "Steppers' Set" in Chicago and you'll see couples well into senior citizenship dressed to the nines, grooving, and laughing out loud. The Times should do a video feature on this scene as a follow up to this story.
6
This just in...
Walking, sewing, crossword puzzles, hop scotch, curling, etc. like dancing are good for your brain if you want to do them.
If not, they are a complete bore and are a hazard to your health.
Walking, sewing, crossword puzzles, hop scotch, curling, etc. like dancing are good for your brain if you want to do them.
If not, they are a complete bore and are a hazard to your health.
2
Was the higher degeneration observed on the volunteers that had been most sedentary prior to the study reported on the original research article, or was this observation mentioned during an interview with Dr. Burzynska?
You know, a dance in our town hall, with all ages, so many people happy and sashaying, perks us all up, is the very opposite of being home worried about uur troubled country. Time to organize a dance!
5
there is a major difference between say square dancing and shaking it baby... That said, post knee surgery, and doing PT a couple of months later, what was interesting were exercises that required walking backwards (interesting as to how it works for the matter of balance) and standing on one foot swinging the opposite leg. I can run very poorly and still cannot skip at all.. that little hop -- mayb e i will try hopping. It's not always possible to get to a dance... i did do ballet, basci ballroom. The balance issue is impt for oldsters.. which is why I mention it.
1
This confirms what Dick Van Dyke writes about in his new bio "Keep Moving." He finds a way to dance and sing every day and believes it's why he is still fully alive and thriving at 90 plus. I was inspired after reading his book to begin dancing- this just doubles my intentions to start dancing!
2
Those of us who contra dance and English country dance have suspected this from generation to generation. To learn more about these extraordinarily fun and healthy forms of community dance, I recommend the Country Dance and and Song Society website and their dance camps at Pinewoods Camp MA.
www.cdss.org/
David Lindsay has been a contra dance caller and morris dancer in New Haven CT for the last 40 years. You can dance with him and his friends to live music at the dances of the New Haven Country Dancers.
www.cdss.org/
David Lindsay has been a contra dance caller and morris dancer in New Haven CT for the last 40 years. You can dance with him and his friends to live music at the dances of the New Haven Country Dancers.
8
I've been contra dancing for about 30 years and have seen many people with active minds living to ripe old ages. Contra dancing keeps your mind stimulated and the social interaction boosts endorphins. In fact, NHK TV filmed our contra dance in Santa Barbara for a science program on this subject that was broadcast in Japan. Over the years I've danced with several people in their 90's, as well as children as young as 2. It's a family-community form of dance. And I've found numerous dancers with science and math backgrounds particularly attracted to contras with their complex, but easily-learned movements.
8
Has the effect of the creativity and immediate execution of the on-the-spot-'choreography' of free-style dancing been studied? Free-style dancing requires the immediate ability to synchronize movement to rhythm and then practically simultaneously dancing to that choreography.
I would think that this would be very beneficial to brain health.
Further, provided that the music is up-tempo, free-style dancing can provide a good cardio-workout, which can be enhanced by holding 1-2 lb. hand weights.
I would think that this would be very beneficial to brain health.
Further, provided that the music is up-tempo, free-style dancing can provide a good cardio-workout, which can be enhanced by holding 1-2 lb. hand weights.
3
The worst blow I have ever received to my face was during a contra dance. If the person twirling with her arm extended had a 1-2 lb. hand weight I might have been seriously injured. Please, no hand weights on the dance floor.
2
And what of getting on the good foot, as James Brown would recommend?
6
The "Everest" of all dances is sometimes said to be the Argentine Tango; it takes years to become moderately proficient, and it will be a life-long study, but the rewards are manifold!!
6
--------- the hambo is equally demanding. the leader is doing a differently timed step than the follower . . .
1
Take up Zumba! You have to watch the instructor closely, and translate her movements into your own movements. You also exercise every muscle in your body. And, over time you make friends with the regulars. Can't recommend it enough!
13
I adore contra dancing and do it regularly. It is good exercise, and can be mentally stimulating, especially when trying to execute the more intricate dances. The organizations that put on dances in my area keep them affordable and welcoming to a diverse crowd of people. The music is always live and generally quite good.
There is no stigma attached to coming without a partner. People of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, dance experience or lack thereof, and sexual and gender orientations attend, mix and get along famously. The only common thread I have found is that the attendees seem to be unusually smart, considerate and gregarious.
I cannot think of a down side and would encourage people to try it. You might really like it!
There is no stigma attached to coming without a partner. People of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, dance experience or lack thereof, and sexual and gender orientations attend, mix and get along famously. The only common thread I have found is that the attendees seem to be unusually smart, considerate and gregarious.
I cannot think of a down side and would encourage people to try it. You might really like it!
18
agreed - I love dancing ever since my mum secretly (my dad thought it was the work of the devil's evil temptations) sent me to ballroom dancing classes when I was 12 - Pride of Erin, Foxtrot, Cha Cha Cha, Waltz - holding a beautiful girl in my arms while swirling on the dance floor - what's not to love ?
So I mentally mocked the individualist 'shake your booty' dancing alone of the disco '70s, madonna '80's and beyond - wonder about line dancing popular with women batting for the other team - and love the idea of South American salsa dancing - tho' haven't learned it.
Thanks for the tip - as a recent retiree, I will look for dancing opportunities !
Observation - two weeks ago in after-school childcare an obstreperous boy turned up the bluetooth hifi way too loud on some pop song - looks of horror exchanged between staff members until they saw I was smiling at the tiny kids running to join the dance floor - going nuts shaking their booties, holding hands and spinning in circles, breakdancing on the carpet - they loved it - so did I - the manager relaxed - and last week she said 'we had such a good time last week, we're gonna do it again' - a good thing !
So I mentally mocked the individualist 'shake your booty' dancing alone of the disco '70s, madonna '80's and beyond - wonder about line dancing popular with women batting for the other team - and love the idea of South American salsa dancing - tho' haven't learned it.
Thanks for the tip - as a recent retiree, I will look for dancing opportunities !
Observation - two weeks ago in after-school childcare an obstreperous boy turned up the bluetooth hifi way too loud on some pop song - looks of horror exchanged between staff members until they saw I was smiling at the tiny kids running to join the dance floor - going nuts shaking their booties, holding hands and spinning in circles, breakdancing on the carpet - they loved it - so did I - the manager relaxed - and last week she said 'we had such a good time last week, we're gonna do it again' - a good thing !
5
I recommend line dancing over contra-dancing for the following reason: Many people who don't have willing partners to dance with (including most women) find attending contra-dances intimidating. Line dancing classes, on the other hand, don't require partners and provide many of the same benefits cited in the article.
10
At our contra dances, as at most, there is no need to come with a partner. The whole point of the evening is to dance with lots of different people, and our male dancers are great about getting new women up to dance. On the occasion when there's an imbalance, our experienced women dancers will dance the "man's" role, In some locales, they don't differentiate the roles at all. At any rate, at a contra dance you will always get to dance, and either sex can invite the other to dance. Our group has dancers from 8 to 80+, all happily dancing together.
17
I took tap, ballet and toe dancing as a child, but as neither of my husbands was a dancer, didn't do any social dancing after college. Now an almost 80 year old widow, I've decided to try line dancing. It is much more difficult than I imagined it would be (especially the turns), but I am beginning to see improvement and intend to keep it up. The instructors seem to almost never repeat a dance, which makes it much more difficult, but they are all made up of similar basic steps, like the vine, the rhumba box, the waltz box, etc. Eventually...I hope I'll make it!
10
I'm neither interested in or coordinated enough (nothing new) to dance but I have found that taking up the ukulele has nourished my mind, spirit & friendships more than anything I've ever done. I believe I'm also growing new neural pathways! I've met new people, mastered difficult chords & am ever on the search for playable & singable songs. It's not difficult here in the Northwest to find a "Newkulele" class in even the smallest towns nor is it difficult to find local song circles and/or jams. One of the song circles I belong to has its' first paid gig in July & we're beyond thrilled that we'll have a little money to make copies & maybe eventually nurture a Ukuleles In Schools program here on our island. Life has taken quite a positive turn since I found the ukulele lifestyle--I highly recommend it!
16
I'm 65 & started learning the uke about a year ago. Compared to most instruments, it is pretty easy to learn. I agree that it is a great brain workout -- learning chords, the fret board, coordinating the strumming right hand with left chord-finding hand, staying on the beat and on the count plus singing -- all at the same time. Also a great way to meet others. Happy strumming from me to uke.
7
Dancing the tango has improved my balance, concentration, and focus. In its varied motions, it has brought the gorgeous sounds of Piazzolla, Gotan Project, and Gardel into my life. I stand taller, move more easily, smile more, and for the minute and a half in my partners' arms, and remember what love was. At seventy-five, I am dancing three times a week, and would dance five if that was possible. A desire to improve is an exciting challenge at a time of life that doesn't always provide such.
There are new friends of all ages and plenty of hugs.
Dance, dance, dance.
There are new friends of all ages and plenty of hugs.
Dance, dance, dance.
45
Argentine tanda Is 3-4 songs so it's 9-12 min with the same partner.
5
I thought of that, too. Have you seen videos of the tango dance parties in
Argentina? All ages, not at all vulgar and very positive and inspiring.
Argentina? All ages, not at all vulgar and very positive and inspiring.
6
Yes, Mark, a 9-12 minute tanda is good for all of the above, especially the spirit.
"Converse about music and the opera, dancing and the ballet, concerts and the theater, new literary works and the last novel, dress and the fashions, and matters which do not require much thought. Avoid the weather, religion and politics, especially with a stranger." —W. P. Hazard, The Ball-Room Companion, 1849
"Converse about music and the opera, dancing and the ballet, concerts and the theater, new literary works and the last novel, dress and the fashions, and matters which do not require much thought. Avoid the weather, religion and politics, especially with a stranger." —W. P. Hazard, The Ball-Room Companion, 1849
2
I can't help but think doing Essentrics would be the best of both worlds. Exercise that lengthens and strengthens your body through choreographed moves. You can try it through PBS 'Classical Stretch' program or look at their website.
14
Except you have to listen to that mind-numbing music.
4
For some of us, that's one of the best parts.
5
If one alternative was "country dancing" why couldn't the other alternative be "country walking?" There may be a big difference in hiking or walking on uneven ground versus walking on flat sidewalks or worse, treadmills. Walking is way more accessible and practical than dancing, and it comes in many many variations. Dancing is not for everyone but walking should be.
18
I agree with you - love to walk.
2
I agree with you. The "country walking" you describe requires you to learn new and different ways of moving your body, much like learning new dance steps.
I've done some country line dancing. Learning and remembering the choreography is hard! I complained about it to a friend of mine and she said, "It's good for you. It exercises your mind!"
She's right.
I've done some country line dancing. Learning and remembering the choreography is hard! I complained about it to a friend of mine and she said, "It's good for you. It exercises your mind!"
She's right.
2
One of the things that make contra dancing more accessible is that there is a caller that teaches the dance in a walkthrough first, and then prompts the dancers through the dance,
Like line dancing, it is repetitive, so after a few times through, your brain absorbs it and you don't need the prompts as much. Also, other dancers in the line will help you be in the right place at the right time . . . it's a true community dance.
Like line dancing, it is repetitive, so after a few times through, your brain absorbs it and you don't need the prompts as much. Also, other dancers in the line will help you be in the right place at the right time . . . it's a true community dance.
7
Line dancing (not just country!) is an enjoyable activity at any age. I have friends in their 70s and 80s who still line dance. We learn new dances all the time and probably have a repertoire of 250-300 different dances. It's great exercise for body and brain.
15
And what about ballet? I started ballet a few months before my 70th birthday. Two years later I continue my ballet classes. My interest and enthusiasm has only grown. But it ain’t always easy!
Early on there were many times I questioned the wisdom of my decision. But as the weeks passed I really started to take on the challenge. II was as much, or more, mentally challenging as physically challenging. Not only was I the only guy in the class, but the other students had taken ballet as children and imagined themselves as real dancers. I had no point of reference like that and certainly no muscle memory for ballet. My mind and body would not always cooperate. By the end of class I was more mentally than physically fatigued.
In ballet class I use parts of my brain that were not well exercised. Most probably there is some rewiring going on. There is scientific evidence that older people learning a “refined complicated skill” improve brain function and memory. It does feel like I am getting to know myself in new ways.
Early on there were many times I questioned the wisdom of my decision. But as the weeks passed I really started to take on the challenge. II was as much, or more, mentally challenging as physically challenging. Not only was I the only guy in the class, but the other students had taken ballet as children and imagined themselves as real dancers. I had no point of reference like that and certainly no muscle memory for ballet. My mind and body would not always cooperate. By the end of class I was more mentally than physically fatigued.
In ballet class I use parts of my brain that were not well exercised. Most probably there is some rewiring going on. There is scientific evidence that older people learning a “refined complicated skill” improve brain function and memory. It does feel like I am getting to know myself in new ways.
42
Another beautiful thing about contra dancing is that it puts the 'social' into social dancing. In this day & age when everyone is busy, our communities can be fractured... contra dancing is done in a way that each time through the dance you're dancing with a new couple. It's really fun to meet & greet everyone as you dance & swing your way up & down the hall. And the best part of all? It's always done to live music.
35
I'm just about to turn 65 - young by some standards. I started Argentine Tango classes in my 40s and now teach them and I've added country swing to my repertoire. I am single but go to social dances 3 nights a week. I can dance hard for three hours. It has greatly preserved and improved my fitness and my reflexes. It is never too late to start social dancing and there are Beginner Argentine Tango classes pretty much everywhere. It will improve and enhance your body, your mind and your social life.
31
Yet another reason to move to Colorado....
4
"After dancing, a gentleman should conduct the lady to a seat, unless she otherwise desires; he should thank her for the pleasure she has conferred, but he should not tarry too long in intimate conversation with her."
—W. P. Hazard, The Ball-Room Companion, 1849
—W. P. Hazard, The Ball-Room Companion, 1849
4
High Society!
Have the authors teased out the differences due to learning and socializing as opposed to simply exercising?
11
Our ancient ancestors became human by dancing, speaking, adornment, and art. So let's dance America! “You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, Love like you’ll never be hurt, Sing like there’s nobody listening, And live like it’s heaven on earth.” William Watson Purkey
15
I started choreographed dance classes a few years ago and was shocked at how hard it was... not because of the physical demands (although those were substantial) but because of the mental demands. The memorization, the coordination, the pace... I have played sports my whole life and never felt such a complete exercise. Better yet, it was fun.
31
I can't help thinking(& laughing) of Elaine Bennet (Seinfeld) doing her dance moves...now there is something to aim for - highly specialized, twisting the body in various excruciating positions, all the while coordinating the thumbs & thrusting the head back & forth - torque=ing the hips severely almost to the point of causing a fracture or worse, stroke - such coordination -such contortion
Not to mention total lack of any sense of rhythm or embarrassment-
If you try these moves, you can laugh & dance at the same time!! but careful your elbow doesn't poke anybody's eye out... or your own!
Not to mention total lack of any sense of rhythm or embarrassment-
If you try these moves, you can laugh & dance at the same time!! but careful your elbow doesn't poke anybody's eye out... or your own!
3
I wish there were seniors-only gyms, or over 50 only gyms. I do belong to a gym, but most of the members are much younger and it's impossible to relate to them in any way. Keeping healthy is important, so I go to the gym, but I would enjoy it much more and spend more time there if there were a social component.
24
Another option might be to try contra dancing, which the article says had the most (apparently positive) effects on the brain and which is enjoyed by people of all ages including seniors. Here's a link to a site listing Florida contra dances:
http://dancefl.us/contra/index.php
http://dancefl.us/contra/index.php
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We have a wonderful senior center in the small city of Griffin, Ga, forty miles south of Atlanta. We have walk aerobic classes 3 days a week, slower exercise groups for those who can't keep up for our fast 45 miles aerobics routine, as well as a class for line dancing.
It only cost 25 dollars a year if you live in the county and 50 a year for those in neighboring counties. I wish every town or city had such a wonderful place. It's one reason why I hesitate to relocate.
It only cost 25 dollars a year if you live in the county and 50 a year for those in neighboring counties. I wish every town or city had such a wonderful place. It's one reason why I hesitate to relocate.
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Try a Ymca or JCC they have lots of seniors
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I used to love step aerobics for this reason. It added a mental dimension of coordination to exercise in a gym which is normally a pretty repetitive effort--lift, lift, spin, spin, etc. But my gym (a big one) only offers one step aerobics class a week and it is so advanced (side by side step boards and lots of hopping over them) that it's hard to just drop in. I miss the step aerobics of the 80's and 90's.
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I agree.
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You can still find some on Youtube, including the original Reebok one that's over an hour long and too complicated for me. I need pretty straightforward, athletic moves -- no hopping over or dancy choreography on the step for me -- and there are a few that fit the bill.
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Find a Jazzercise studio near you! I did step aerobics for 8 years and it was cancelled 3 years ago because many were taking up Zumba. Zumba was not for me -- thank goodness I found Jazzercise! It's fun, a wonderful all-over workout with aerobics, stretching, hand weights. Plus I'm cool with my kids and younger co-workers because we dance to lots of contemporary music! At the end of a busy work day, I always feel energized after the hour-long class. Mostly women in the class where I go, of all shapes, sizes and ages, and we laugh, dance and have a blast. And it's modifiable to everyone's abilities, range of motion, etc. Some in the class have been going for 20 years or more, and I hope I can say the same 15 years from now!
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If your musical tastes include Punk rock and mosh pit moves, and you wear progressive glasses your depth perception may be off. Mid-flail I struck my dance partner on the nose and bloodied it.
Also, if you are enamored of inventing extreme dance moves in the privacy of your living room whilst all other members of the household are gone, missteps, and mis-timing may bring you into precipitous contact with the furniture. In which case, Uber is an excellent choice for transport to the ER, minimizing the explanations required to your family.
Those cautions aside, dancing is excellent exercise for seniors, and for an hour you can feel decades younger.
Also, if you are enamored of inventing extreme dance moves in the privacy of your living room whilst all other members of the household are gone, missteps, and mis-timing may bring you into precipitous contact with the furniture. In which case, Uber is an excellent choice for transport to the ER, minimizing the explanations required to your family.
Those cautions aside, dancing is excellent exercise for seniors, and for an hour you can feel decades younger.
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Music makes us want to dance or partake in formal aerobics classes while at the same time, socializing and invigorating the spirit. And you cannot be depressed and feel like dancing at the same time.
Humans have been benefiting from dancing for many thousands of years.
Humans have been benefiting from dancing for many thousands of years.
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"Pay constant attention during the evening that she may at no time feel alone."
—W. P. Hazard, The Ball-Room Companion, 1849
—W. P. Hazard, The Ball-Room Companion, 1849
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If you’ll be attending a wedding this summer, you might want to start practicing the Macarena and the Gangnam Style.
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Contra dancing is also quite aerobic, with all of those benefits.
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Agree! There's also English Country and International Folk Dancing to try for fun and good company.
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Contra dancing and English country dancing were the kinds of dancing they used in their experiment. After 40 some years of doing both in New York City I can vouch for the fun, energy, sociability and mental challenge they involve. There are groups all over the country as well as in NYC.
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I can well believe that dances with complicated formations present a mental challenge, as not everyone can do them at any age. From the time I was a kid I've found them as intimidating as a math exam. These dances are like exercises in topology that have to be done in time to a rhythm. And when I got mixed up, it meant that everyone else had to keep shoving me in the right direction, yet I still ended up ruining the pattern. Never again.
Editor’s note: This comment has been anonymized in accordance with applicable law(s).
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You were right to split. Those people have a low tolerance for messing up their so called good time. They're an intolerant bunch. Stick to walking, you'll feel better and live longer.
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Some dance communities are less tolerant, but don't give up on all of us. Our group has smaller midweek dances where it's easier to learn, and most dances have a brief newcomer's lesson at the beginning of the evening, so come early! The other trick is to partner with an experienced dancer instead of another beginner - - you'll learn faster.
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Some things never change:
"Do not create a disturbance, by making any apparent slight: an intentional insult is rarely ever given. If a lady is in the case, she will not thank you for making her “the observed of all observed;”
—W. P. Hazard, The Ball-Room Companion, 1849
"Do not create a disturbance, by making any apparent slight: an intentional insult is rarely ever given. If a lady is in the case, she will not thank you for making her “the observed of all observed;”
—W. P. Hazard, The Ball-Room Companion, 1849
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I used to love aerobics, every week getting better at the dance pattern to the disco beats, and then, suddenly, the excercise industry decided that they did not want the same routine each week, but it had to be varied. But it is a much different thing to get better and better at an hours worth of moves to the same beats, as opposed to the new idea of having to blindly follow some super-athletic girls' idea of the moment..I just can't do it. Why did that change? it is so much better to have the same routine, every time, for those of us for whom that is about as good as we are ever going to get. It was something to aim for, and the mastery of the routine became a pleasure.
I guess there are always DVD's, but it is just not the same. I think the idea that the aerobic routines have to be varied every time was really dumb, and ruined the whole thing for me.
I guess there are always DVD's, but it is just not the same. I think the idea that the aerobic routines have to be varied every time was really dumb, and ruined the whole thing for me.
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I would prefer they left out the twerking, too.
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... it is so much better to have the same routine, every time, for those of us for whom that is about as good as we are ever going to get...
---------- folk-dances are like that. they rarely change - once your "tribe" figgers out how they want to do them ! . . .
---------- folk-dances are like that. they rarely change - once your "tribe" figgers out how they want to do them ! . . .
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For those of us with limited or no access to stimulating classes, I suggest the joys of turning on beloved music at home and busting some moves. That has the advantage of being available anytime and is customizable to your taste and endurance. Although it lacks the benefits of socializing, it can still be mentally challenging, as you invent various moves according to your present mood. When I get around to doing this kind of dancing, it becomes my favorite form of exercise.
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I think that public schools and religious institutions with gymnasiums should consider opening their gyms to dances a few nights a week, 6:30 PM-9:30 PM. Welcome young and old alike. Play a mix of music. Cover the cost of managing the event with an optional entrance fee.
Good for everyone's health and for the community as a whole.
Why not?
Good for everyone's health and for the community as a whole.
Why not?
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How about Zumba? Great exercise for the brain! Fast, becomes intricate, changes often.
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The photo looks so happy and pleasant. However, you would be amazed how strenuous some of that folk dancing can be. Make sure there is someplace you can sit down to catch your breath.
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"Every lady should desist from dancing the moment she feels fatigued, or any difficulty in breathing, for it no longer affords either charm or pleasure, the steps and attitudes lose that easy elegance, that natural grace, which bestows upon dancers the most enchanting appearance."
—Elias Howe, The Pocket Ballroom Prompter, 1858
—Elias Howe, The Pocket Ballroom Prompter, 1858
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This article joins many others about the brain benefits of exercise--particularly how the learning of new choreography is so helpful.
Spouse (84) and I (76) participate weekly in a Zumba Gold class (ZG is Zumba somewhat slowed down and made low impact for seniors and others who can't manage the much more complex and faster regular Zumba). We love the music, the dancing, the enthusiastic teacher and the camaraderie of the class. Our only complaint is that it meets only once a week.
Full disclosure, we've both been exercisers most of our lives and participate in other classes for strength and fitness. We also know that we've been very lucky to have escaped serious illness and accidents that might have put a damper on our activities. We take some credit for our good health, but recognize the predominant role of good luck.
Spouse (84) and I (76) participate weekly in a Zumba Gold class (ZG is Zumba somewhat slowed down and made low impact for seniors and others who can't manage the much more complex and faster regular Zumba). We love the music, the dancing, the enthusiastic teacher and the camaraderie of the class. Our only complaint is that it meets only once a week.
Full disclosure, we've both been exercisers most of our lives and participate in other classes for strength and fitness. We also know that we've been very lucky to have escaped serious illness and accidents that might have put a damper on our activities. We take some credit for our good health, but recognize the predominant role of good luck.
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I have lost 25 pounds and feel immensely better since I started Zumba Gold about 2 years ago. It is the most fun I've ever had exercising. (And I really hate exercising.) Find a class nearby simply by Googling "Zumba Gold" and your zip code.
8
"Usually a married couple do not dance together in society, but it is a sign of unusual attention for a husband to dance with his wife, and he may do so if he wishes."
—Walter R. Houghton, Rules of Etiquette and Home Culture. 1886
—Walter R. Houghton, Rules of Etiquette and Home Culture. 1886
2
20 to 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week!
This simple recommendation is shown to be the best advice for young and old alike -- the myriad of experiments and studies done to try to 'improve' on this recommendation by finding minute differences in results from different types of exercise -- trying to find the silver bullet, the Goldilocks solution -- are mostly senseless wastes of research dollars and research time.
The overwhelming evidence of years of research is that the 20-30 minutes/most days advice holds true, and that it matters very little what type of exercise is performed.
This particular study combines the two long-standing findings: the exercise recommendation above and the socialization recommendation for elders, which is that elders get regular socialization time with groups doing something in which they are mutually interested. It again doesn't really matter what the subject is, as long as they enjoy it and find it interesting.
The real killers for [us] old folks are: doing nothing physically and doing it alone.
This simple recommendation is shown to be the best advice for young and old alike -- the myriad of experiments and studies done to try to 'improve' on this recommendation by finding minute differences in results from different types of exercise -- trying to find the silver bullet, the Goldilocks solution -- are mostly senseless wastes of research dollars and research time.
The overwhelming evidence of years of research is that the 20-30 minutes/most days advice holds true, and that it matters very little what type of exercise is performed.
This particular study combines the two long-standing findings: the exercise recommendation above and the socialization recommendation for elders, which is that elders get regular socialization time with groups doing something in which they are mutually interested. It again doesn't really matter what the subject is, as long as they enjoy it and find it interesting.
The real killers for [us] old folks are: doing nothing physically and doing it alone.
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