6 Ways Aging Adults Can Benefit from Dancing

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Tips Aging Adults Can Benefit from Dancing in Montgomery, AL

Dancing brings out the inner child in older adults. Moving to music, spending time with friends, and getting out of the house are just a few of the things that make dancing so beneficial. As seniors step to the beat of the music, they can enjoy the following benefits for their physical and mental health.

1. Practice Weight Management

Many people find exercise to be a dreadful chore, but that doesn’t apply to dancing. Fast-paced dancing is great for burning calories, and seniors will have so much fun they won’t view it as exercise. Seniors who dance several times a week are better able to keep their weight at their desired level.

2. Reduce Joint & Muscle Pain

Seniors need to move their arms and legs to keep them from stiffening up. Older adults with arthritis often find they feel less pain after they’ve been dancing. Keep in mind that seniors shouldn’t push themselves to try dances that are too difficult or pose a risk of injuries. Instead, they can focus on enjoying slow styles that keep their joints and muscles limber.

Even if seniors have mobility issues or health challenges, they can still get the benefits of exercise, especially with the help of trained professional caregivers. Home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.

3. Increase Balance & Strength

Dancing requires some degree of balance to manage turns and complicated step patterns. Older adults with reduced balance often feel better working with partners who can support them as they work through the movements. Dancing also increases muscle strength. All of that fancy footwork builds leg and hip muscles so seniors are better able to enjoy other activities.

4. Reduce Stress & Depression

It’s virtually impossible to feel sad when dancing to upbeat music. Seniors who engage in dance lessons have something to look forward to each week. Mastering a new step brings a sense of self-accomplishment, and moving the body reduces stress hormones that influence a senior’s mood. When it comes to treating poor mental health, dancing is one tool that works well with other strategies.

If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over occasionally. Montgomery respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.

5. Keep the Mind Sharp

Dancing is a hobby that constantly gives seniors something to learn. Experienced dancers can continue to build their skills and learn more complicated routines. New dancers have a wealth of different styles they can choose from to master. Dancing incorporates timing and rhythm along with the need to memorize step patterns. All of these things combined keep the brain engaged so seniors retain their cognitive abilities.

6. Enjoy a Regular Social Activity

Seniors can practice dancing at home alone, but it’s more fun to get out and mingle. Many communities have senior dance classes available, or a senior might choose to take a class with a group of mixed-aged adults. Either way, older adults can benefit from expanding their social networks. Many dancers get together outside classes or attend special events. These add more social engagements to a senior’s calendar so he or she never feels alone.

Seniors who need assistance with exercising safely can benefit from the help of trained professional caregivers. Montgomery home care service experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (334) 593-3988 today.

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