Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain

jkovacs wrote: post #3

I'm assuming this was meant to link to: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-08-reverse-aging-brain.h... instead of the front page.

Thanks! Updated.

Re: Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain

#5

Post by tinco » Sat, Aug 26, 2017, 4:08 PM UTC

Maybe old brains just need some vigorous shaking?

Re: Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain

#6

Post by pmoriarty » Sat, Aug 26, 2017, 4:13 PM UTC

It wasn't just any kind of dancing:

"We tried to provide our seniors in the dance group with constantly changing dance routines of different genres (Jazz, Square, Latin-American and Line Dance). Steps, arm-patterns, formations, speed and rhythms were changed every second week to keep them in a constant learning process. The most challenging aspect for them was to recall the routines under the pressure of time and without any cues from the instructor."

Re: Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain

#7

Post by tiku » Sat, Aug 26, 2017, 4:42 PM UTC

tinco wrote: post #5

Maybe old brains just need some vigorous shaking?

Or just any form of excercise..

Re: Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain

#8

Post by roceasta » Sat, Aug 26, 2017, 7:30 PM UTC

Couple of things about dancing: (1) it's easier to think because you're moving about, (2) dancing partners are usually of the opposite sex. Both these factors seem like stimulants for learning and rejuvenation.

Re: Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain

#9

Post by crowbahr » Sat, Aug 26, 2017, 8:17 PM UTC

pmoriarty wrote: post #6

It wasn't just any kind of dancing: "We tried to provide our seniors in the dance group with constantly changing dance routines of different genres (Jazz, Square, Latin-American and Line Dance). Steps, arm-patterns, formations, speed and rhythms were changed every second week to keep them in a constant learning process. The most challenging aspect for them was to recall the routines under the pressure of time and wit…

I think that part was probably more important than exercise or social interaction. Not that they don't have their places, just that it's likely more the intellectual challenge that gets them going.

Re: Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain

#10

Post by saryant » Sat, Aug 26, 2017, 8:18 PM UTC

This is 100% anecdotal, but a number of swing dance legends have lived to very old age. Frankie Manning, founder of Lindy Hop, died at 94. Norma Miller, the Queen of Swing, is 97 and still alive.

This is a video of Frankie at 92! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENrqFFU4P5E