Put on your dancing shoes. Study finds it is the secret to staying fit as you age | Health - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

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

Press Trust of India | ByPress Trust of India
Apr 09, 2018 04:45 PM IST

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.

The physical benefits of movement and dance on ageing bodies is well documented and this study re-enforces these findings.(Getty Images)
The physical benefits of movement and dance on ageing bodies is well documented and this study re-enforces these findings.(Getty Images)

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.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“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.

“Some of the participants reported that they found the classes positively euphoric and transformational in the pleasure they felt at being part of such weekly social engagement,” she said.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more

Oscars 2024: From Nominees to Red Carpet Glam! Get Exclusive Coverage on HT. Click Here

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On