Chance to Dance
Music can benefit you, too. It has the power to lift your spirits, soothe your frayed nerves, and then move you to dance. Jean Veloz, turned 90 years old in 2014 and she hits the dance floor with several of her favorite friends in an amazing video on YouTube. One can not help but be inspired by her grace and beauty even in her golden years.
Aside from the obvious physical advantages of dancing it also improves a person’s cognitive skills. A vigorous activity such as dancing pumps blood to the brain, giving it the glucose and oxygen. According an article in Examined Existence psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Coyle of the Harvard Medical School, stated that “the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex – both of which play a role in dancing – are rewired and consequently improved with frequent use. The dynamism required in decision-making – for example, what step you need to do next – paves the way for new neural paths that make information transmission faster and better. Such activities also help improve mental capacity since the cognitive processes are exercised in more ways than one”. Thus, it can be said that dance helps to improve our intellect.
Dancing is not just beneficial for older adults, as it is excellent for all ages. It keeps us fit and has a wide range of physical and mental benefits. The Better Health Channel says some of these benefits are:
- Improved condition of your heart and lungs
- Increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness
- Increased aerobic fitness
- Improved muscle tone and strength
- Weight management
- Stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis
- Better coordination , agility and flexibility
- Improved balance and spatial awareness
- Increased physical confidence
- Improved psychological wellbeing
- Greater self-confidence and self esteem
- Better social skills
Many of us feel self-conscious about dancing in front of others. There is an easy solution to that problem. Yes, lock that door, close those blinds and crank that music. Wooden spoons, toothbrushes or screw drivers make excellent microphones. You have the best audience in the world right in that mirrow. Turn up the music, sing at the top of your lungs and ,by all means, dance your little socks off.
Photo courtesy of SeniorsLovetoknow.com.
