Many seniors consider dancing the ideal exercise because they can boost their overall health while having some fun. There are many ways your senior loved one can incorporate dance into daily life regardless of his or her experience or abilities. Here are some suggestions for dance activities your loved one might enjoy.
1. Dance Classes
Organized classes are a popular way to learn how to dance. With regular practice, your loved one can increase his or her balance, which can prevent falls. He or she can also get an aerobic workout from certain forms of dance, such as tap and swing. In 2003, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study about the benefits of leisure activities among the elderly. This study found those who participated in ballroom dance classes had a reduced risk of dementia. Dance requires both physical and mental activity to learn basic steps and complex choreography. It’s never too late for your loved one to learn to dance. Many studios offer beginner’s-level classes for people of all ages, which means anyone can start dancing and begin reaping the health benefits.
Learning dance steps exercises the brain as well as the body, which can help seniors with dementia slow the progress of their condition. Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Anchorage seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance.
2. Chair Dancing
For seniors with limited mobility, chair dancing is an easy way to include dancing in a daily routine. Even though your loved one stays seated throughout this dance activity, he or she can still get a moderate workout. Some senior centers offer chair dancing classes covering a variety of styles, from tap to polka. Chair dancing can also be performed at home using DVDs or online videos.
If your loved one needs help participating in fun forms of exercise and other therapeutic activities, consider hiring an in-home caregiver. Anchorage senior 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. Dance Therapy
Low-impact dancing can also be therapeutic if your loved one has limited mobility. Studies conducted in 2008 and 2010 by the University of Missouri incorporated choreographed movements into 18 sessions over a 2-month period and found they led to better balance, gait, and overall functionality. The studies used a therapy known as the Lebed Method, which focuses on the lymphatic system and can be added to physical therapy programs.
4. Social Dances
Your loved one can practice his or her dance moves at local dances as well. Local senior centers and similar organizations often host dances, and these events allow seniors to dance in fun social settings. These dance events frequently include ballroom or line dancing in relaxed group environments.
Engaging in therapeutic activities such as dancing can make it easier for older adults to boost their quality of life. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. If you need professional in-home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (907) 770-0907.