Activity Ideas for Seniors: Ballroom Dancing

Phoneix home caregivers are constantly looking for ways to keep their elderly caregivers both active and entertained. A fun new activity to introduce to them is ballroom dancing, which has proven benefits to seniors’ auditory, visual, mental and social abilities. Since it’s unlikely that very many home caregivers have specific experience in ballroom dancing, they can find a community, recreation or senior center in Phoenix that offers free or inexpensive dancing lessons for senior citizens to help them get started. Seniors can attend these lessons with their caregivers to learn how to do popular dances like the fox trot, cha-cha, salsa and tango; then they can go home and practice their recently acquired skills, or even put on performances for their family and friends.

Of course, as with any physical activity, seniors need to be conscientious when ballroom dancing. It’s recommended that for the optimal benefits, seniors have a 5 minute warm up, followed by 10 minutes of dancing, and they should be aware of any signs and symptoms of physical strain or exertion; seizing activities if they become short of breath or feel any pain in their muscles or joints.

Seniors and caregivers; get your dancing shoes on and have fun!

Sources:

1. Suite 101

2. Global Action on Aging