There are innumerable benefits in dance and dancing. Dance can make us fitter and healthier, mentally and physically. Dance can also increase our social interaction and bonding with like minded people. Dance is something that can be done by all ages from infants to the elderly, Even the infirm can enjoy dance to some extent. Dance can be done as part of a group or even alone. Dance can happen in a variety of places and settings, and for different purposes and reasons
Nowadays people are leading physically inactive lives and rates of obesity are on the increase and dance can help to maintain a fitter body. Dance can have a profound effect on health and well being and it is far better to dance than to engage in repetitive forms of exercise. For the individual depending on the nature of the chosen dances, there can be personal and mental growth and a more fulfilled life. There is a chance to form and sustain friendships and relationships, whether platonic romantic
Dance being a fusion of many forms of art, including music, literature and the visual arts, helps individuals to grow intellectually as well. Dance also exposes people to more music and studies have identified that good forms of music can improve our mental well being. Dance helps to improve rhythmic and creative expression and enriches our imagination and innovation. Dance has an impressive number of styles and forms and themes and there is something to suit most people
The New England Journal of Medicine reported in 2003 on a 21 year study carried out by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine New York, on the effects of recreational activities on the elderly. The study examined cognitive activities such as reading books, writing, doing puzzles, playing cards and musical instruments. It also examined physical activities such as tennis, golf, swimming, bicycling, walking and doing housework
The study found that almost none of the physical activities appeared to offer any protection against dementia. The only physical activity which did offer protection against dementia was frequent dancing
The study reported on the reduced risk of dementia, as follows;
Reading - 35% reduced risk of dementiaBicycling and swimming - 0%Doing crossword puzzles at least four days a week - 47%Playing golf - 0%Dancing frequently - 76%. EXPAND ON ABOVE see previous
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