Feel like cutting a rug? Whether you’re showing off your moves at a wedding reception, feeling the Latin beat at salsa night, or pushing back the coffee table in your living room for a dance workout video, dancing can lift your spirits. But it isn’t just fun, it’s a great way to get some exercise – while not feeling like you are working. And although there are many opportunities to dance socially, it can also be done right in the comfort of your own home.
Big Band Benefit Dance, September 23, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Save the date! Put on your dancing shoes, and join us for an evening of Be-Bop and Boogie Woogie Big Band Era Music. Featuring Bob Hemenger and Debbie Tucker along with other talented musicians. Proceeds will benefit the Archuleta Seniors Inc and the Pagosa Senior Center. Tickets for the event are available at www.pagosacenter.org
Seniors may become more sedentary as they age, and extended physical inactivity can lead to health issues and immobility. Dancing is a low-impact cardio workout that can combat those issues by improving heart and lung health, in addition to offering many other benefits.
Five benefits of dancing for seniors:
1. Emotional and Social
Social isolation, often experienced by retired older adults, increases risks of depression and anxiety . According to the CDC, people who are socially isolated are also much more prone to heart disease and stroke as well as 50 percent more likely to develop dementia.
Getting out of the house and joining a class with others can improve your mood and emotional state. Learning couples’-based dances such as ballroom, salsa, etc., gives you an opportunity to meet others, take a friend or loved one with you to learn together, or join up with other singles looking for a dance partner.
2. Balance and Agility
In a review of literature on the benefits of dancing for seniors, specifically their physical health, the National Library of Medicine reported that dance increases strength, endurance, balance, and other aspects of functional fitness.
Study participants ranged from 52 to 87 years of age. Many different dance styles were used, including ballroom, contemporary, cultural, pop and jazz. Regardless of the dance style, dance improved functional fitness.
3. Weight Management
Dancing burns calories and increases muscle strength. Building lean muscle helps burn fat and tone muscles.
4. Strength and flexibility
Dancing strengthens the core muscles that we use to stabilize our body, which can make joints less susceptible to injury.
5. Increased energy and endurance
When you first begin to dance – or complete any cardiovascular activity – you may find that you tire easily. As you continue the routine, endurance is increased and energy – on and off the dance floor – increases.
Where to shake and shimmy
If you’re sold on the benefits of dancing for seniors, from fun to fitness, but you don’t know where to begin, a quick internet search will help find local options for classes or opportunities for dancing specific to your area. Look for:
Gyms and clubs
One of the best places to start is at your local gym. Whether it’s the public gym at the Ross Aragon Community Center or a private facility around town, there is a good chance that they will have dance exercise classes specific to seniors. On the other hand, dance classes not specific to seniors offer the advantages of intergenerational socialization. Just be sure the class is flexible enough to meet participants’ varying needs, allowing them to ease up when necessary and offering less strenuous options. Jazzercise and Zumba are two common dance class options specifically targeting exercise through dance. Always feel free to modify movements as needed, especially in the beginning, to meet your specific abilities.
Dance studios
Look for a dance studio that specializes in your preferred style of dance and music. If you enjoy the style of music you are dancing to, you are more likely to enjoy dancing. If you like country music, try line dancing. If you like Latin music, try salsa or bachata. If you prefer classical music, try ballroom dance classes. You might even stumble upon some nostalgic options, like the jitterbug, boogie-woogie, the locomotion, the twist, or disco!
Churches and community groups
Many churches and community recreational centers sponsor senior nights that aim to bring seniors together for a social experience while also getting exercise. Check out Meetup, too, for groups that gather at clubs and other venues for fun and dance.
The Community Cafe continues to be open to the public every Monday and Wednesday from 11am – 1pm. If dining in, please be prepared to show your vaccination cards. (If you have COVID-19 or have been exposed or exhibiting any symptoms, please stay home.) We are always offering Grab-n-Go meals Monday-Friday 11am-1pm at our convenient Drive Thru.
Our meals are available to all ages by reservation, call or text us at 970-264-2167 by 9am.
Rose Chavez is Executive Director for Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and Public Health Consultant at Archuleta Food System/Food Equity Coalition.