Seniors Use Hip Hop Dancing to Stay Active

Dancing is a great way to let loose and work up a sweat, but for a group of senior citizens, hip hop dance is their way of staying young and healthy.

I have no doubt that some of you are skeptical. Leslie Alison, coach and choreographer, says her elderly students master all the same choreography as people half their age. She takes a lot more time with her elderly classes to provide them with more opportunity to learn and, of course, ensure that no one gets hurt.

Senior citizens in their 50s, 60s and older across the world are enjoying the fast paced groove of hip hop and they are taking advantage of the energizing beats. Although many of the dancers have a background in dance and fitness, there is also a large number who do not. They meet for 2-3 hours, twice a week and report feeling healthier, energized and more mentally alert. Susan Faulkner, hip hop dancer, says, “this is like another opportunity to be young again.”

Regular exercise reaps plenty of rewards for everyone. Staying active as they age will benefit the elderly with:

• Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Weight loss
• Joint relief
• Increase in immunity function
• Endorphin release
• Improved circulation
• Lower blood pressure
• Decreased risk of heart disease
• Better sleep quality

Growing older doesn’t mean you have to settle for being sedentary. You don’t have to lose your flexibility and strength and remember that you’re never too old for an active lifestyle- in fact, exercise can turn back the clock. Herbert “Hip Hop Pop” Pomfrey, age 83, agrees, saying hip hop dance “makes me feel like I was 72 again.”

Via: CNN Health

Also Read:

Senior Fitness: You’re Never Too Old to Exercise

Yoga for Seniors

The Secret to Healthy Aging

October 27th, 2010

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Posted in: alzheimers, dance, dementia, Health News, weight loss

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by Theresa — Staff Writer

Twitter: @Theresa_Delay

Theresa is a health journalist who's hopelessly in love with yoga and family life. She's passionate about health and sustainable living, and lives by the Audrey Hepburn quote: “laughing is the best calorie burner.”