There’s no denying that dancing is a fun activity and hobby that many people enjoy. There are people who do it professionally, those who do it for fun and take lessons, and those of us who just like to dance when no one’s watching and the song is right! It’s good for us to let loose once in a while and shake it all out (or shake it off as Taylor Swift would say).
Most of us look forward to the occasional chance to “get up and dance,” but did you know that dancing, at any age, has many benefits for the mind and body? In this article, we’re going to break down the ways dancing is good for our health, and then get into a step-by-step video on low impact salsa dancing for beginners!
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Benefits of Dance
Slows Down the Brain’s Aging Process
Neuroscientists have found that dancing can slow down the brain’s aging process. The hippocampus area of the brain, which is responsible for memory, balance, and learning, is susceptible to decline as we age. Dancing increases volume in this area of the brain. The change in choreography and memorization of steps make the brain “work” extra, as opposed to other repetitive cardiovascular physical activities such as walking or biking.
A 21-year study led by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine showed that aging adults who danced regularly had a 76-percent reduced risk for developing dementia.
Dancing combines cardiovascular exercise with split-second decision making that forces the neural network to create new pathways. That is why dancing is so beneficial for our brain’s, and that of aging adults.