Dance for a healthy, happy ageing

Skinner, social anthropology lecturer at Queen’s, studied the effects of social dancing amongst older people in Northern Ireland, Blackpool and Sacramento, California.

“I have found that social dancing leads to a continued engagement with life - past, present, and future - and holds the promise for successful ageing,” said Skinner.

“It contributes to the longevity of the dancers, giving them something to enjoy and focus upon - to live for. It alleviates social isolation and quite literally helps take away the aches and pains associated with older age,” he added.

“In Northern Ireland, dancing brings people together across communities, creating solidarity, tolerance and understanding,” he said, according to a Queen’s release.

Sarah, a 70-year-old and a regular ice-dancer, who took part in the study said: “My daughters brought me down to the ice rink. I have to say, after years of dancing on a ballroom floor, I was very impressed and skating has great flow and speed.

“I’ve been doing it for 12 years now. We do the rumba, quickstep, foxtrot and tango. My instructor even wanted me to compete. My friends have commented that my energy is overwhelming, ‘what’s the secret?’ they ask, and I just say ‘keep dancing’.”