The ballroom-style dances in the Brazilian study also require a partner, Krampe noted. In the U.S., there are a lot of senior centers and community centers that offer dancing, “and you don’t necessarily have to have a partner to participate,” she said.
The standardized treatment in long-term care institutions does mean that elderly residents may have a less active lifestyle than their counterparts living at home or with family. Dancing could provide a chance to strengthen the legs, especially the knees, Krampe said.
“Regular doses of dancing will increase lower extremity strength, and lower your risk of falling. Even if you haven’t danced before, it’s a very safe, healthy way to increase your chances of staying around and keeping healthy,” she said. (Reuters)
