Slowing the Ageing Process

Neuroscientists have been studying the effects of exercise on the brain for some time. They have been interested in finding the best and most enjoyable type of exercise to slow down the ageing process.

Mental degeneration associated with ageing involves a deterioration of intellectual ability; a loss of balance often comes with the ageing process as well.

The hippocampus area of the brain is responsible for memory, learning and balance and is the most susceptible area to decline as we age.

Whereas all forms of activity and endurance training bring benefits to the brain in helping to slow its decline, dancing comes out as the best overall option.

The Best Exercise For The Brain
An extensive study undertaken by German neuroscientists used two large groups of elderly people from 63-80, with one group taking up dance and the other group doing normal fitness training.

The dance group had to learn and practice a range of dance activities, while the sports group did training for endurance, flexibility and strength.

Dancing involves physical activity, flexibility and mental processes. There has to be mental and physical coordination, and balance improves.

To make the most of the advantage dancing brings, a broad spectrum of dance needs to be included. Learning new routines and changing the choreography keeps the brain active in memorising patterns. This is an advantage over repetitive activities like cycling and speed walking.

Both Physical And Mental
Rather than sticking to a slow waltz all the time, dance enthusiasts should expand their repertoire. New dances should be learnt and even new styles.

Some ballroom dances are more vigorous and complicated than others. Then there is salsa, and other South American dances. Rock 'n' Roll and Jive take some older people back to their youth and will be more energetic, with Lindy Hop being popular again in many countries.

New dance moves have to be memorised and dancing is particularly good at improving and maintaining good balance.

Different dance and music genres require new step rhythms and a constant variation in speed of movement. All this helps slow down the ageing process of the brain.

As aerobic fitness improves when cardio-respiratory fitness levels increase, the hippocampus region in the brain increases in volume, bringing an improvement in memory function, better balance and better negotiation of space.

Also significant is that dancing carries a very low risk of injury, as long as the participants stay within realistic areas.

The key seems to be not just the dancing but there should be a variety of music and dance styles, with new routines, new formations, new steps and rhythms with a variety of speeds. All this has a mental and physical effect on the brain and body.

Give It A Go
Not everyone is a gifted mover with a good sense of rhythm, however. That doesn't matter, give it a go and there is still going to be some progress and benefit.

The music itself can deliver its own benefits by bringing joy and lifting the spirits, while the social aspects of dance can improve mood and a feeling of well-being. This might not happen to the same extent when going for a solo run and training in a gym.

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