Meet 96-Year-Old That Stays Fit with Yoga and Dance

A recent study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience stated that dancing may be more effective at slowing the aging process than traditional fitness training. This is because of the added mental challenges required when we dance, which include the following. Remembering dance steps Holding your partner the right way Executing turns Recognizing the beat Moving in tandem with someone or just “feeling” the rhythm of the music and moving on your own Synchronizing movement with music The activities above are referred to as sensorimotor demands as they are movements triggered by sensory as well as motor impulses. When compared to many other physical activities, dancing is now being linked to a reduced risk of developing dementia. We reMany of these studies show that multitasking activities help to improve cognitive function and can also help slow the aging process. The Impact of Dance on Cognitive Health It’s long been known that exercise is associated with preserving cognitive function in older adults and studies are now starting to show dance as one of the most effective forms of exercise to slow the aging process.cently wrote a post on the positive effects of dancing which may interest youA recent study looked at the effects certain activities had on elderly participants. Overall they looked at eleven different physical activities, including swimming, cycling, tennis, and even golf. The only physical activity shown to lower the participant’s risk of dementia was dancing. A different study from the University oThe senior dancers reported improvements in many areas including memory attention and focus. Another study involving elderly people experiencing mild cognitive impairment reported an improvement in the participants thinking and memory.f Illinois at Chicago was conducted with a Latin ballroom dance program for older sedentary adults.

Does dancing help cognitive abilities in old age?