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Eight Reasons Why Dancing Is Crucial To Keeping You Healthy And Happy
May 11, 2020 | Health | By Amanda Johnson
Back when you were younger, dancing was one of your favorite activities. What happened to your love of dance? Well, life got in the way of dancing. It wasn’t long before you got married and had children. The desire to get down and boogie was replaced by changing diapers and staying over at work. The dance floor doesn’t have to be a foreign place for those over 50. Hopefully, after reading this, you’ll find yourself a dance partner and cut a rug.
Here are eight reasons why you need to put your dance shoes back on and get down to the music
1. Improved posture
What’s the one thing that everyone notices about their friends and family members as they age? It’s their posture, and the aging process can leave a person humpbacked. Dancing not only keeps you limber, but you also work on standing straight up. You’ll notice an immediate improvement in your posture after dancing for a few weeks.
2. You become more agile
As you age, your muscles and joints stiffen. The aging process isn’t kind to your joints, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The exercise involved with dancing will improve muscle tone and also the flexibility of your joints.
3. As an exercise helps to get rid of stress and anxiety
Are you the type who always carries the world on their shoulders? Do you constantly feel anxious? Dancing is an excellent form of exercise to get rid of both anxiety and stress. You’ll feel less stressed out and calmer after dancing.
4. Combat loneliness
It doesn’t matter if you have a dance partner or not; you’ll still feel less lonely. People tend to isolate themselves as they age. You aren’t all alone on the dance floor. If you join a club, then you’ll be dancing with other people. Just seeing and being around the other people will make you feel less lonely.
5. You’ll make new friends
It’s impossible to get down and boogie on the dance floor without striking up conversations. You’ll naturally gravitate towards people while you’re dancing or when you’re taking a break. Lifelong relationships are built on the dance floor, and they will add character and joy to your life.
6. A sense of well being will come over you
Yeah, that sounds kind of silly. Doesn’t it? How can an increased sense of well being be the result of dancing? Think of it like this: your entire body and mind are receiving a workout. How can you not feel better about yourself and the world around you when you’re healthier?
7. Your mind becomes sharper
What happens when you sit around all day doing nothing? It’s not only your body that pays the price. Your brain also becomes sluggish. Dancing gives you something to focus on, and you’ve got to put your noodle to work. Dancing will keep you sharp as a tack.
8. Improves your bone health
You probably know at least one person who has fallen and broken a bone. Why do the bones of older people break easier? One of the reasons is because of bone deterioration due to lack of use. Dancing will strengthen your bones and will also make you less likely to break something if you happen to fall.
Don’t worry about making yourself look like a fool
That’s what keeps you from dancing. How long has it been since you’ve last danced? You’re worried that your old out of style dance moves will cause a scene. Don’t worry about that. Find a dance class for people over 50 and take it. You might be able to find free classes by going to your community center. Go online and see what’s available in your area. Whatever you do, have fun and enjoy yourself. If you’re not smiling while dancing, then you’re doing something wrong.
