Exploring the essence of a creative dance programme for older adults: Programme overview and research insights.

INTRODUCTION

Dance is recognised as a safe, effective, and enjoyable means to boost physical, mental, and cognitive health in older adults. Detailed content of dance programmes for this age group is sparsely described.

AIMS: This study provides a comprehensive description and evaluation of a Creative Dance Programme for older adults.

METHOD: The dance programme, described in detail in our study, was analysed with three quantitative (i.e., gait, balance and executive function tests) and one qualitative (i.e., interviews) pilot studies to gain insights into health effects of the programme.

RESULTS

Creative dance increased participants walking speed in both the single (t(13) = 6.65, p < 0.001) and dual-task conditions (t(13) = 5.51, p < 0.001) and reduced participants' dual-task costs of walking (t(13) = -2.24, p = 0.043). Moreover, participants reported that they felt energised after the sessions and more confident in daily activities.

CONCLUSION

Our research highlights that creative dance programmes can have a positive effect on the dual task costs of walking and movement adaptability in daily life of older adults.