Dancing is brilliant for your brain. A study, conducted by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, has outlined a number of benefits of dancing to older adults, specifically for brain health.
The New England Journal of Medicine published the results of a 21 year study of senior citizens in New York, and the findings suggest that not only is dancing wonderful fun and exercise, it really does help your grey matter stay sharp!
Dancing reduces stress and depression. It increases energy levels and the body’s production of seratonin, a ‘feel good’ hormone. When you dance, you become stronger, more flexible, better balanced and fitter.
It can improve bone density and promote heart health. Mostly however, it improves your mental capacity. Dancing is a ‘whole body’ activity, requiring memory, dynamic and speedy decision making. This helps create new neural pathways in your brain, which is key to preventing dementia and other brain degeneration.
The study showed a 35% reduced risk of dementia in people who read daily, a 47% reduction in those who do crossword puzzles at least four days a week and a whopping 76% for those who danced regularly.
Dust off your dancing shoes and enjoy all the benefits now!
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