“Shall We Dance?” Older Adults’ Perspectives on the Feasibility of a Dance Intervention for Cognitive Function

Abstract

We explored perceptions of social dance as a possible intervention to improve cognitive function in older adults with subjective memory complaints. A total of 30 participants (19 females; mean age = 72.6 years; SD = 8.2) took part in the study. This included 21 participants who had self-reported subjective memory complaints and nine spouses who noticed spousal memory loss. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and a thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Three main themes were constructed: (a) dance seen as a means of promoting social interaction; (b) chronic illness as a barrier and facilitator to participation; and (c) social dance representing nostalgic connections to the past. Overall, the participants were positive about the potential attractiveness of social dance to improve cognitive and social functioning and other aspects of health. In future research, it is important to examine the feasibility of a social dance intervention among older adults with subjective memory complaints.

Dancing in the golden age: a study on physical function, quality of life, and social engagement

“…Furthermore, dance was found to improve well-being and reduce stress, anxiety, psychological distress and fatigue. 25,41 Dancing constitutes a form of expression 33 and promotes social interaction, 24,42 which, on its own, is recognized to have beneficial effects on Dancing in the golden age 6 cognition. 43 Interestingly, older adults reported to be particularly attracted to dancing because a playful and spontaneous atmosphere enabled them to remember and 're-live' happy experiences from their youth.…”

“…43 Interestingly, older adults reported to be particularly attracted to dancing because a playful and spontaneous atmosphere enabled them to remember and 're-live' happy experiences from their youth. 26,42 In summary, dance training is a form of physical exercise that increases physical function as well as social interaction and motivation. 19 However, to our knowledge only one study 32 has previously investigated the effects of dancing, based on a Caribbean style, in older Italian adults.…”

The psychometric properties of a novel task-based dance self-efficacy measure for older adult dance program participants

“…Confidence to enjoy dancing with a person you do not know relates to several features that are fairly unique to dance including comfort with being in close physical contact with strangers and co-operation to co-ordinate movement with another person, tapping into social efficacy. While social dance provides the opportunity to socialiseidentified in dance research as a strong motivator to join and adhere to social dance programs (Coogan et al, 2021;Thøgersen-Ntoumani et al, 2018) -this can be achieved only in welcoming and relaxed social environments. While positively framed, the social dance efficacy item challenges the respondent to consider an aspect of dance participation which may compromise their social experience and impact motivation to participate.…”

“…Engaging older adults in effective and enjoyable physical activity programs to protect physical and cognitive health is a global research priority (World Health Organisation, 2017). Dance is accessible and appealing (Gordon-Nesbitt, 2020) exercise activity (Yan et al, 2018) which is cognitively challenging (Brown & Parsons, 2008) and enriched with music and social interaction (Brustio et al, 2018;Thøgersen-Ntoumani et al, 2018). Although enthusiasm for dance as a lifestyle intervention has inspired a substantial body of efficacy trials over the past decade, evidence supporting the health benefits of dance has been mixed.…”

Application of social dance exercise and social support program to improve quality of life for Thai older adults

“…Psychological aspects include improved well-being which reduces stress, anxiety and psychological distress [13,14]. Interestingly, older adults reported that they found dancing to be an attractive social activity because the activity made them feel playful and "re-live" happy experiences from their youth [15,16]. Furthermore, social dance builds relationships between older adults through their partners, their friends and their families.…”