The Importance Of Dancing at a Senior Services NJ Center

In the forties and fifties, dancing was one of the most popular activities for all ages. Whether they were dancing the Jitterbug with soldiers during World War II, swing dancing with friends, or at a sock hop, everyone in the forties and fifties was dancing!

Unfortunately, today, many of these former dancers are aging and living in senior services NJ centers. To brighten the day for these seniors, it is important for senior services NJ centers to incorporate dances at least once a month. Below is important information on why seniors should participate in dancing and how to host a dancing party at your senior services NJ center.

Physical Benefits to Dancing at a Senior Services NJ Center

While mobility may be an issue for some seniors living in a senior services nj center, many seniors can still dance or at least be playfully wheeled around in their wheelchair by a senior services NJ staff member to the music from the forties and the fifties. Seniors who dance can lose weight, gain muscle mass and improve their balance. All of these factors can help prevent falls in the future. Dancing can increase their heart rate, which is advised by many doctors to help improve overall heart health.

Mental and Emotional Benefits to Dancing at a Senior Services NJ Center

Since there are many sensory stimulants during dancing such as hearing and feeling, seniors who participate in dance have advanced mental stimulation during dancing. Perhaps the seniors will hear a song that reminds them of a special time or memory. The senior is then more likely to socialize with others to share their memory. As stated above, dancing can result with an increased heart rate. An increased heart rate can allow for the seniors to feel a rush of endorphins that will increase their happiness during the dancing session. Dancing sessions will also increase happiness for many living in a senior services NJ center because it breaks up their daily routine and can meet other residents during the dance sessions.

How to Plan a Dancing Session at a Senior Services NJ Center

Ask around to local dance instructors to see if they would be interested in volunteering their time to dance with the seniors at your senior services NJ center. Invite the seniors’ family members to come and join in the Jitterbug fun! Serving food popular in the forties and fifties will also add to the fun. Serve food popular to the time period such as deviled eggs, Swedish meatballs, fried chicken and meatloaf. For dessert offer chiffon pies or fruit cups. Popular drinks during the forties and fifties were bottled soda and tang.

If you really want to make your dancing party a hit, invite seniors living in other senior services nj centers to yours to add to the fun. You can also have a 50/50 raffle or have a dance contest! If you really want to step the party up a notch, hire an Elvis Presley impersonator for a few hours to lighten the mood and ensure the seniors at the senior services NJ center have even more fun!