"How
is it that some people seem so much younger than their age?
Simple - they keep moving, and so could you."
That's
the opening statement of the new brochure for adults designed
by Unity, the New York based coalition of dance organizations.
Dance as an adult was the focus of the recent conference I
co-chaired which appropriately fit with our recent event right
here in Michiana.
Our
experience started when our school offered a performance opportunity
at a ND Women's basketball game for women 55 +. The response
was outstanding and the Silverstars ranging in age from 55
to 80, performed before an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd
of thousands at the JACC. The dancers were so excited with
the experience that the group is now on-going.
I
presented this experience at the conference and was met with
similar stories from across the country. We also learned about
studies for people with depression that showed an improvement
in 25% of people treated with medication and an improvement
of 40% in those treated only with exercise. Driven by the
vast numbers of baby boomers, more and more studies support
the fact that physical activity is essential for maintaining
good physical and mental health and that dance provides benefits
for both.
Loss
of balance and flexibility are two areas of concern in aging.
Improved balance helps to prevent falls and fractures that
are so debilitating to older adults. Dance addresses both
of these concerns.
In
the book, "Age-Defying Fitness" by physical therapists Marilyn
Moffat and Carole B. Lewis, a test of your current ability
is presented:
- Wearing
flat, closed shoes, stand straight, fold your arms across
your chest. Raise one leg, bending the knee about 45 degrees.
Check the time and close your eyes.
- Stop
the timing immediately if you touch the ground with your
raised leg, move your standing leg, uncross your arms
or tilt sideways more than 45 degrees.
- Repeat
with other leg.
Compare
your results with what is normal at different ages;
- 20-49
years of age - 24-28 seconds
- 50-59
years of age - 21 seconds
- 60-69
years of age - 10 seconds
- 70-79
years of age - 4 seconds
- 80
and older - most are unable to do the exercise.
