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From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.<\/p>\n
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.<\/p>\n
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.<\/p>\n
Your support makes all the difference.<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead more<\/span><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nExcitement is bubbling for another dazzling season of sequins, showmanship and spectacular footwork, as the new cast of Strictly Come Dancing is gradually revealed.<\/p>\n
As you watch the celebrities twirl, glide, and waltz their way across the dance floor, you might feel inspired to dust off your own dancing shoes. But beyond the glitz and glamour, ballroom dancing offers a plethora of health and wellbeing benefits \u2013 especially as we get older.<\/p>\n
Over the years, the hit show has welcomed a number of older contestants to its infamous ballroom, from British politician Ann Widdecombe, who competed at 63, to TV presenter Johnny Ball, who took part at 74. The record for the oldest participant so far goes to English broadcaster and former newsreader Angela Rippon, who joined the competition at the age of 79.<\/p>\n
To find out more about the advantages of ballroom dancing later in life, we spoke to some experts about how taking to the floor can boost both health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n
Increases strength and muscle endurance<\/strong>\u201cEven if you are starting dance later in life, it can help improve and make everyday activities like standing and sitting, climbing stairs, carrying groceries easier.\u201d<\/p>\n
Improves balance and coordination<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cDance trains balance and coordination. Turns, changes of direction, and rhythmic weight shifts challenge the systems that keep us steady,\u201d says Neil Harrison, chief executive officer at British DanceSport Association. \u201cRecent reviews suggest dance can improve balance measures and may help reduce the risk of falls compared with usual activity, while also being enjoyable enough to sustain over time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Boosts cardiovascular health<\/strong>\u201cDancing elevates the heart rate, improving circulation and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes over time,\u201d says Asif. \u201cThe rhythmic movements involved in various dance styles serve as an enjoyable way to engage in cardiovascular exercise.\u201d<\/p>\nEnhances memory and cognitive function<\/strong><\/p>\nDancing can significantly improve memory and cognitive function.\u00a0
\u201cAlthough you\u2019ve got a teacher there to lead you, you\u2019ve got to learn and remember choreography which stimulates the brain\u2019s memory centres,\u201d says Stephenson. \u201cIf you\u2019re attending a class where you\u2019re learning a routine over a number of weeks, you\u2019ve got to remember it week to week. You\u2019ve got to recall sequences, patterns, spatial awareness and the timing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some research also suggests that dance can benefit people living with dementia.<\/p>\n
\u201cMusic and movement together can cue vivid autobiographical memories, from a first Waltz to a favourite Latin track,\u201d says Harrison. \u201cDementia charities and research bodies endorse music-based activity for wellbeing. Familiar music can quickly trigger positive memories even when other recall is patchy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reduces loneliness and isolation<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cClasses, socials and tea dances bring peers together to chat, laugh and belong,\u201d says Harrison. \u201cIn a country where many older adults report loneliness, regular social connection is protective for health and mood. Social prescribing now routinely links people to community activities like dance, because it works for companionship as well as fitness.\u201d<\/p>\n
Improves mood<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201c<\/strong>I think dancing is so uplifting and makes you feel good,\u201d says Stephenson. \u201cIt releases those feel-good chemicals and endorphins and gets everybody moving together.\u201d<\/p>\nHow to start:<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cResearch dance classes that are put on by your local council, community centres, charities and dance studios and see what they\u2019re offering,\u201d recommends Stephenson. \u201cIf you are feeling nervous or are not an experienced dancer, look for a beginner class. Look for somewhere like a community centre and try and find a qualified teacher that creates a safe space that you feel comfortable in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once you start, don\u2019t forget to warm up properly to avoid injury.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo a proper warm up and cool down before and after every class, and make sure you drink lots of water,\u201d advises Stephenson. \u201cAlso, keep moving throughout the rest of the week with a bit of walking and make sure you are looking after yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Excitement is bubbling for another dazzling season of sequins, showmanship and spectacular footwork, as the new cast of Strictly Come Dancing is gradually revealed. As you watch the celebrities twirl, glide, and waltz their way across the dance floor, you might feel inspired to dust off your own dancing shoes. But beyond the glitz and glamour, ballroom dancing offers a plethora of health and wellbeing benefits \u2013 especially as we get older. Over the years, the hit show has welcomed a number of older contestants to its infamous ballroom, from British politician Ann Widdecombe, who competed at 63, to TV presenter Johnny Ball, who took part at 74. The record for the oldest participant so far goes to English broadcaster and former newsreader Angela Rippon, who joined the competition at the age of 79. To find out more about the advantages of ballroom dancing later in life, we spoke to some experts about how taking to the floor can boost both health and wellbeing. Increases strength and muscle endurance\u201cDifferent dance styl…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4572,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4571"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4571"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4571\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4572"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4571"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4571"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4571"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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