I will hesitantly admit that while watching dancing shows on TV, I have been caught trying to bust out a move or two in my own living room. Although my efforts traditionally result in me injuring some part of my body, there are a number of people who have gotten involved in dance programs around the world. But why? What is so great about dance? Well believe it or not, a report by the New England Journal of Medicine has found that dancing can be very beneficial to a person’s health and overall well-being.

According to the report, people over 75 years of age who engaged in a regular dance activity of some sort showed a much lower risk for dementia. Now this in and of itself may not seem surprising but the report also concluded that other forms of physical activity had no affect on the dementia risk in the elderly — meaning that dance was the only activity to have actually made a difference in improving the health of these people.

Other studies have gone on to show that music therapy, which consists of both listening and creating music with a specifically trained therapist, actually has an affect on depression and may possibly become a useful treatment tool. Dance has also had an impact on a number of other health related issues including breast cancer, Parkinson’s and anxiety attacks. Dance therapy brings joy to the people who engage in it, thus improving their quality of life. Whether the person is engaging in the Argentine tango or the waltz, dance is proving to be an effective tool towards developing a healthier lifestyle.

So whether you’re like me who just dances for fun in her living room, or you are part of a dance therapy class to improve your health, the most important advice that can be given is this: dance like there is no one watching because life is worth living to the fullest, even if you look goofy doing it.

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Tags: Group Health, Health, Health News, Healthy Living //