Introduction

Many seniors benefit from having longer lives, thus their numbers are steadily increasing. However, higher life expectancies have come with a rising number of old-age illnesses. This also includes mild forms of cognitive illness, specifically dementia. 

Dancing is probably as old as mankind and has been used as a form of enjoyment, for socialising, in ceremonies and rituals, and even for religious purposes. 

For many decades Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) has successfully utilised the healing potential of dancing for the treatment of patients of all age ranges. As a non-pharmacological treatment, it has shown great promise in revitalising the body and mind of seniors.

Some studies have already provided scientific evidence that it may reduce the symptoms of dementia in the elderly. But does DMT have the potential to significantly improve the well-being of the world's ageing populations?

Benefits of dance movement therapy for seniors

Dance movement therapy (DMT) is an established method that can provide a range of physical, psychological or emotional benefits for seniors. In many societies, the share of older people increases rapidly which increases the demand for treatment of mental conditions associated with old age. 

Physical benefits

As the age of adults increases physical activity frequently decreases. People over 60 often do very little regular exercise. There may be many reasons for this inactivity which may be caused by medical or motivational issues. The lack of exercise may contribute to widespread health problems including obesity with potentially severe consequences for the cardiovascular system. Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) offers the opportunity to regain access to enjoyable physical activity with numerous health benefits for seniors.

In older people falling is a major cause of severe injuries and hospitalisation. DMT can significantly improve and maintain a sense of balance thus reducing the risk of falling and injuries. Dancing can also have a major beneficial impact on muscle strength, flexibility, agility and gait.^1,2,3,4

Dancing exercises the cardiovascular system and elevates the individual’s breathing and heart rate. Elderly dancers improved their aerobic capacity (VO2peak) if compared to non-exercising controls.⁵ Although dancing burns calories, body weight and BMI were not changed in dancers compared to controls.⁵ Dancing by seniors may have the potential to improve cardiovascular fitness with benefits for the cerebrovascular system.

Emotional benefits

Through dance, a senior can improve self-awareness and develop their self-expression when in tune with the music and the movements. Especially when dancing with a loved one, stress levels can be reduced and seniors may experience a feeling of joy and happiness. 

Potentially stuck in a monotonous life, seniors may experience that dancing boosts their self-confidence and fosters an emotional sense of well-being. These emotional benefits of dancing may counteract a sense of loneliness, anger and depression experienced frequently with increased age.

Cognitive benefits

In many countries, people can benefit from longer lives. Unfortunately, this is also causing a considerable increase in cognitive illnesses associated with old age. An estimated 35 million people in China alone are suffering from dementia.⁶ 

Non-pharmacological forms such as DMT could therefore play an increasingly important role in improving the well-being of patients with mild cognitive disorders. The scientific evidence of the benefits of DMT is already emerging. Elderly with mild cognitive impairment can benefit from DMT as it can lead to improved memory, global cognitive function, attention, language and improved symptoms in mental illnesses such as depression.^7,8

Dancing of seniors is also frequently discussed in the context of preventing or reducing the onset of dementia. Symptoms of dementia such as depression, loneliness, and high levels of stress-sensitive hormones decreased significantly after dance therapy.⁹

Adaptations and considerations for seniors

The way we dance to music can vary immensely as there is an endless variety of music available and dance styles are also limitless. Clearly, the way the elderly dance to music must take their age and their taste in music into consideration. However, the safety aspect must be of paramount importance in particular as many elderly are at a heightened risk of falling with potentially serious consequences for their health. 

As it may be relatively easy to find suitable music the right dance choice may require tailoring it to the needs of the individual. Some elderly may enjoy waltzing over the dance floor while others may be limited by mobility issues. This may restrict them to standing exercises or even a seated dance.

What is the right DMT for a specific group? A qualified dance therapist will carefully prepare dance therapy sessions suited to the needs and abilities of each group of seniors. In an initial assessment, the therapist will assess the groups’ emotional and psychological needs as well as their physical abilities. They will then match suitable dance movements and music while taking into consideration that the needs of each individual in a group may vary. 

Implementation and accessibility

Training and qualifications for DMT practitioners

The training of DMT practitioners is regulated by national or regional organisations (The Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK, American Dance Therapy Association, European Association of Dance Movement Therapy). 

Typically applicants have a background of working in the health care sector and have substantial experience in various dance methods. Several years of paid or voluntary work experience as well as a degree in a health-related subject may be part of the entry requirements. In addition, personal attributes as well as evidence of experience of working with patients are also taken into consideration before membership of the relevant organisation is granted. Once a member the applicant can commence an accredited MA course which could take more than 1 year to complete. 

Once the training has been fully completed and professional membership has been maintained, the DMT practitioner can start working in the profession. Taking part in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) may be required to keep the practitioner up to date with the latest developments in the sector and to validate his membership.

Accessibility of DMT for seniors

Although DMT can be accessed by seniors as individuals, cost implications may be prohibitive. Thus it is more likely that DMT becomes available in a group setting. This has the added benefit of socialising with other seniors which may in itself address issues of loneliness often experienced by the elderly. Independent DMT group sessions may be available locally, however, often senior centres and care homes may incorporate DMT in their programme of activities and therapies. 

Future directions and research

Potential advancements in DMT techniques

Using dance as a therapeutic method has developed on all continents and is now firmly established in many countries. Dance therapy varies between regions and cultures and sometimes indigenous body-mind healing coexists with the dominantly Western DMT models. Future research may show if and how advances in DMT may be able to incorporate culturally important aspects of dance into its own practice, thus creating culturally adapted versions of DMT.

Ongoing studies on the effectiveness of DMT for seniors

Many studies investigating the benefits of DMT on a range of illnesses have concluded that there are some clearly identifiable benefits of DMT. A considerable number of review articles aimed at clarifying the emerging picture of DMT as a modifying treatment for diseases of the elderly.

However, there remains considerable uncertainty as many studies could not be reviewed due to small sample sizes or incomparable research methods. Thus the picture of DMT is still incomplete and requires further sound long-term studies which will hopefully show that DMT has the potential to significantly improve the well-being of the world's ageing populations.

FAQs

What is dance movement therapy?

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) uses dancing to unite body, mind and emotions in a social setting to improve well-being. DMT can support individuals or groups of all age groups and is gaining increasing importance for people with mental health issues including the elderly.

What are the main benefits of dance movement therapy for seniors?

As the number of older people increases so does the need to treat individuals with illnesses related to old age. The emotional, physical and psychological benefits of Dance Movement Therapy make it particularly suitable for treating the elderly with the onset of minor cognitive illnesses.

Can dance movement therapy be beneficial for people with minor cognitive illnesses?

There is considerable scientific evidence that Dance Movement Therapy improves the emotional, cognitive and physical well-being of people with minor cognitive illnesses such as dementia. In particular, mental well-being improves if the therapy is applied for an extended time.

How do I become a dance movement therapist?

The UK and USA have national organisations that regulate Dance Movement Therapy. They also provide accreditation and training requirements which may include completing a university course. 

Summary

Dance Movement Therapy is a well-established method which uses dance movements to reconnect body and mind and release positive emotions. Through dance, the seniors can express their feelings and together with others experience the joys of dance and music. DMT in a social setting can help to overcome loneliness and increase general well-being. 

DMT can also be used to treat the symptoms of mild cognitive illnesses such as dementia which are affecting many seniors. As a non-pharmacological therapy, DMT has enormous potential to help the increasing numbers of elderly to live happier lives.