Dancing is an activity that’s easily modified to meet a senior’s needs and ability levels. Seniors who are still mobile can benefit from having partners help them balance as they move across the dance floor. Those who use wheelchairs or walkers can still enjoy moving to the music in whatever ways feel best. Encouraging your aging loved one to dance provides these benefits that can turn having some fun into a major boost for his or her health.
1. Increase Mobility
Seniors who become sedentary are more likely to experience reduced mobility. It’s important for seniors to continue to move their bodies, and dancing gives them the perfect motivation for getting up and moving around. Dancing increases balance and coordination, which makes it easier for seniors to manage their daily activities with less assistance.
Even seniors who have mobility issues or health challenges can still get the benefits of exercise, especially with the help of trained professional caregivers. Homecare professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
2. Relieve Joint Stiffness & Pain
Arthritis flare-ups are worse when a senior has been sitting for too long. Dancing to gentle music is a great way to warm up stiff ligaments and joints. Ballroom dancing is one form of dance that can be tailored to fit your loved one’s needs so he or she doesn’t put too much stress on his or her joints.
3. Increase Leg Strength
Seniors need to do weight-bearing exercises to maintain strong bones and muscles, and dancing makes working out seem like less of a chore. When stabilizing the body through the dance steps, the muscles respond. Over time, your loved one will notice he or she feels stronger and has more energy. Stretching before and after dance lessons increases the benefits your loved one enjoys in terms of strength and flexibility.
4. Reduce Stress
The senior years can get stressful, and your loved one needs to engage in enjoyable activities that help him or her relax. Any activity that involves music is uplifting, and dancing adds to the benefits by also serving as a form of exercise. Seniors can’t help but smile when they’re dancing to their favorite songs, and their bodies release special hormones as they dance that have a relaxing effect on the brain. Thinking about the steps also makes it easier for seniors to forget about their worries for a while.
5. Give the Brain a Workout
Learning new dance moves is also mentally challenging. Your loved one has to focus during lessons to learn where to place his or her feet and arms. Once your loved one knows the steps, he or she will also be challenged by learning new routines to perform for family and friends.
Regular cognitive stimulation is especially important for an aging adult living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. If your senior loved one needs professional dementia care, Green Valley caregivers are available around the clock to provide the high-quality care he or she needs. Our dementia caregivers can help your loved one stay mentally engaged and delay the progression of the disease.
6. Connect with Other People
Dancing is an extremely social activity that allows people of all ages to get together and enjoy a common interest. Your loved one can choose to dance at home with a caregiver or family member as a way to build a stronger relationship. Your parent can also go to group lessons to meet new people on a regular basis. Having groups of friends helps seniors feel more confident as they embrace the changes that come with aging.
Seniors who need companionship and assistance with exercising safely can benefit from the help of professional caregivers. Green Valley elderly home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Embrace In-Home Care team today.