Attention to senior health has become increasingly necessary as people live longer due to advances in medicine, access to better care, and being more social. Mental health is vital for people of every age. However, seniors especially have unique factors that affect their mental health as they age, including becoming socially isolated, loneliness, lacking motivation, or feeling a sense of purpose.
Isolation can happen for many reasons; adult children begin to live independently, spouses and friends pass away, or they can no longer drive. Yet, a lot can be done to decrease loneliness in seniors. Aging adults can find a new community by joining a dance studio and meeting others in similar situations. Decreasing social isolation can significantly reduce a person’s risk of premature death.
Social isolation is one of the leading causes of depression in seniors. Loneliness is not good for anyone, but its negative effect increases in older adults. Humans are born into social groups and live out their lives as a part of society. Our brains are wired to crave interaction with other people. This is why isolation, as we age, is a leading factor of depression in older adults. Societies and communities help shape our personal identities, so it is important to continue being a part of something no matter a person’s age.
Friendships help people keep a positive outlook on life and stay motivated. It is proven that being social has helped humans survive and thrive for as long as we have. If seniors stay involved and active, it can lengthen their lifespan and quality of life. Direct person-to-person contact triggers the part of our nervous system that releases a cocktail of neurotransmitters tasked with regulating our response to stress and anxiety. Dopamine is also generated from face-to-face contact. This brain chemical gives a little “high” and helps kill pain. A touch as simple as a handshake or high five releases oxytocin, which lowers cortisol and increases your level of trust. In turn, group interaction and contact from a dance class, trip, or event help older adults de-stress, relax, trust each other, lower pain, and become more positive. Aging adults feel more encouraged to continue dance lessons and traveling with friends. They will even feel younger because they are keeping up with the activities they did in their youth.
The Benefits of Dance and Physical Activities for Seniors
Older adults who are socially and physically active handle stress better than those who are more solitary. Dancing, having fun with friends, and being social helps increase a person’s energy. Some of the main physical and mental benefits of dance classes for seniors include boosting energy, increasing endorphins, therapeutic benefits, improved physical and psychological health, and the anticipation of having plans.
Dancing leads to an increase in endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that, when released, create a positive feeling in the body. This feeling can even be described as similar to morphine. Regular exercise has been proven to reduce stress, ward off anxiety and feelings of depression, boost self-esteem, and improve sleep. Exercise also leads to a healthier heart, stronger bones, improved flexibility, and especially for seniors, lowers the risk of chronic diseases, chance of injury, and improves mood. Exercise is also key for cognitive function. Endorphins diminish the perception of pain. They are released in response to brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The neuron receptors that endorphins bind to are the same ones that bind some pain medicines. The activation of these receptors does not lead to dependence or addiction. Joining a dance group helps aging adults benefit from physical activity and emotional comfort. Exercising for 20 to 30 minutes three times a week is sufficient for beginners to reap the benefits. Older adults are grateful to meet new friends while becoming more active.
Exercise is therapeutic for aging people. It can make them feel connected to their younger self and the physical activity they used to do. Research shows exercise to be an effective treatment for depression, with a magnitude of effect similar to other established forms of treatment such as medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Seniors who suffer from depression and loneliness will not face medication’s negative side effects when regular exercise and socialization through dance classes help reduce or eliminate those symptoms. Studies also show that physically active people are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function and have a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Aerobic exercise, such as dance, in older-aged adults have reported improvements in thinking and memory and reduced rates of dementia. More research is needed to determine the level and intensity of physical activity that is most effective for improving memory problems. However, it is clear that physical activity and face-to-face contact is extremely beneficial for aging adults.
There is a lot that can be done for loneliness in seniors. Aging adults can find a new community by joining a dance studio and meeting others in similar situations. World Champion Productions dance studios help older adults connect with others through dance classes, trips, competitions, and events, allowing them to meet new friends and be active.
If you are or know of a senior who would like to get involved in dance, contact World Champion Productions and ask about our 3 for $35 special and get connected today!