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
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