A community dance program geared to older adults provided a long-term boost to the physical activity and social lives of participants, including those aged 85 years and older, according to new findings from the United Kingdom.
Researchers analyzed data from the “Dance On” project, which included weekly dance classes that took place over 12 months across the urban communities of Leeds, Bradford and Doncaster, U.K. The average age among the more than 685 participants was 75. More than a third were from highly disadvantaged communities.
The dance program increased participants’ weekly physical activity levels, which remained consistent over the study period, the researchers found. When surveyed, many told the investigators that their well-being had also improved and that they felt stronger, more confident and “years younger.”
These findings were evident even for the oldest of the cohort, aged 85 years and older.
“Over time there has been a decline in physical activity in older adults, and this is particularly apparent in people over 75 years of age,” Sarah Astill, PhD, of the University of Leeds, said in a statement. “Opportunities to engage adults in physical activity are a global priority as they support healthy aging and slow progression of disease and disability.”
Full findings were published in BMC Geriatrics.
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