How a dance class helps older women's brains and bodies

By Baz Ruddick

Topic: Dance

Every Thursday, a community gathers at a dance company in north Queensland.

Women over 55 come together to move and connect under the guidance of dance teachers.

The dance class promotes creativity and movement in new ways.

Judy Taylor, 79, has been attending the Still Dancing classes for four years.

Judy Taylor, 79, started dancing five years ago.

At first, Judy didn't know how to move and didn't like the way she moved.

Andi Gillham has seen the community grow from a few regulars to 30 people.

The class is a slower-paced dance experience for people who want to revisit dancing or try something new.

The class used to be seated, but now it's more physical.

A beautiful community has evolved around the classes.

Peggy Robertson, 84, has been a dancer most of her life, studying ballet when she was younger.

The classes allow her to move outside traditional dance boundaries.

In ballet, you must concentrate on movements, but here you can follow your body.

Nobody judges you, it makes you feel good.

'A joy of being alive'

Amber Haines describes the group as open and explanatory.

The emphasis is on experiencing movement, not just doing defined moves.

Peggy Robertson has a new appreciation of movement from the contemporary classes.

The class offers something different for older people who want to exercise but not traditionally.

There's pressure to exercise to stay healthy, but it can be linear and not inspiring.

Dance involves the mind and imagination, eliciting a joy of being alive.

Around 30 dancers, mostly over 55, attend the weekly Still Dancing classes.

Judy Taylor values the community and connection in the class.

Knowing people enjoy the same things and value friendships is important.

The experience of connection and community is a great gift.

Judy Taylor grew to love dance classes after initially being unsure.

Andi Gillham has seen relationships develop alongside the class.

People meet and hang out outside of class, forming deep relationships.

Dance is for everybody, and everyone can enjoy it.

Supporting the brain and the body

Dr Maddison Mellow says physical movement can help slow cognitive decline in older people.

Dr Mellow has studied brain health and lifestyle changes to reduce dementia risk.

Physical inactivity is a risk factor for dementia, the leading cause of death in Australia.

The heart and brain are connected, so what's good for the heart is good for the brain.

Physical activity benefits cerebral blood flow and reduces neuroinflammation.

Physical activity can increase or maintain brain region volume, like the hippocampus.

The Still Dancing classes focus on gentle, non-traditional movement.

Dr Mellow says social contact and engagement combat social isolation, a dementia risk factor.

People who enjoy physical activity are more likely to stick to it and maintain it as a habit.

Starting with small amounts of exercise can have large physical and cognitive benefits.

It's never too late to start exercising.

A passion for movement

Ms Robertson and Ms Taylor say the class has positively affected their lives.

They have started dancing outside of class, and Ms Taylor often moves to music in public.

Dancers are encouraged to be present and mindful of their movements.

Ms Taylor moves more than she used to, and it's a good feeling.

They plan to continue dancing as long as they can.

Peggy Robertson will dance as long as she is physically able.

If she can't move her legs, she'll sit and move her upper body.

Life is short, so have fun and move your body.

Ms Taylor never wants to stop dancing.

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