Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, believes that dancing is a prime activity for the physical and emotional health of seniors. For those who might be tentative about trying a new exercise, Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, gives a brief summary on how learning the two-step or the tango will reap benefits.

Presentation Solutions: What mental benefits do seniors derive from dancing?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Dancing improves memory and cognitive function while fighting off Alzheimer’s and memory loss.

Presentation Solutions: Is dancing difficult to learn?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Once immersed into their routines, seniors often forget that dancing is exercise altogether—even though they are moving more parts of the body than when walking.

Presentation Solutions: How so?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Dancing rePresentation Solutionsuires both upper body and lower body movements and also expands an individual’s aerobic capacity.

Presentation Solutions: How does the mental effect of dancing compare to other exercise?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: In contrast with other activities such as walking or swimming, dancing coerces participants into training their brain muscles as well. Seniors who dance regularly score better on cognitive tests.

Presentation Solutions: Why is that?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: There are two main factors. First, the stimulation of maintaining an active social life instantly improves their mood. Second, dancers must memorize a series of steps and other physical movements necessary to learning a dance.

Presentation Solutions: Will seniors be overwhelmed when first starting?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: On the contrary, dancing classes give seniors a sense of belonging, and continued participation leads to long-lasting friendships with fellow dancers.

Presentation Solutions: What specific parts of the body are worked?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Most notably, dancing increases strength in the legs and supports overall bone health.

Presentation Solutions: What about contributing to weight loss?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Dancing often makes a significant impact on body fat. It has a dramatic effect on midsections and gives the body more flexibility.

Presentation Solutions: Can dancing help prevent diseases?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Seniors who suffer from type 2 diabetes have used dancing to lose weight and lower blood pressure. Consistent exercise routines reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer-related illnesses.

Presentation Solutions: Is dancing hard on the body?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Dancing is easy on the joints, which makes it an attractive exercise for seniors with arthritis or chronic pain.

Presentation Solutions: What are some additional benefits?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Other positive effects also include improvements in coordination and balance.

Presentation Solutions: Are dance classes easy to find in the community?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Yes. Dancing is a hot commodity in today’s marketplace, and more gyms and studios are offering classes designed for all ages.

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, has served in this capacity since 2007 and has more than 20 years of experience in the retirement community field.