Put on your dancing shoes. Study finds it is the secret to staying fit as you age

An Australian study found that participants felt happier, experienced higher energy levels, greater flexibility, improved posture and an enhanced sense of achievement after taking up ballet.

Taking dance classes can boost energy levels, flexibility and happiness in older adults and help them age better, a study has found.

Researchers from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia examined the health and wellbeing benefits of dancing. Over a three-month project, researchers found that participants experienced higher energy levels, greater flexibility, improved posture and an enhanced sense of achievement. They also felt happier and enjoyed a sense of community and friendship.

“The project critically investigated older adults’ motivations to participate in ballet, the health and wellbeing outcomes for active older adults, and the examination of the teaching practices involved in this delivery,” said Felicity Mandile from QUT.

“We weren’t surprised by the research findings, which strongly indicated that ballet participation is considered to be a highly pleasurable activity for active older adults. We found that ballet participation may contribute to positive outcomes across various health and wellbeing categories and promotes a general feeling of wellbeing,” she said.

Performance psychologist and former professional ballet dancer professor Gene Moyle from QUT said movement, be it dance or other forms of exercise, was a critical factor in better ageing.

“The physical benefits of movement and dance on ageing bodies is well documented and our project really re-enforces these findings, however additionally highlights the joy and benefits social connections in dance can bring to people’s lives,” said Moyle.

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