Story by Rhylea Thompson

‘Dance like nobody’s watching’ is a phrase most people embrace in the privacy of their own home, but the expression has more weight than ever after a recent study explored the health benefits of dance for older Australians.

Seasons Living has partnered with The University of Sydney and Gold Moves Australia to conduct a pilot study aimed at determining whether dance can help prevent falls in seniors.

The research program recruited 34 retirees, aged 65 years and older, who took part in a series of dance classes at Seasons Mango Hill, over the course of 10 weeks.

Nearly half of the participants were Seasons residents, motivated to improve their health and wellbeing, including Frances Gallagher who had been unable to walk without assistance for the past year due to a knee injury.

JUST DANCE: Gold Moves Australia Co-Director and Instructor Gail Hewton (left) delivers a dance class for Seasons residents and study participants. Photo: Maddison Bywater

Back on her feet: Ballroom dancer’s big breakthrough

“It’s been lifechanging and I’m not exaggerating,” Ms Gallagher said.

“When I started, I couldn’t do all the exercises and would need to sit down because of the pain in my knee, but now I can do the entire session without a break.

“I never imagined it would make this much of a difference, but I’ve gone from taking two Panadol tablets four times a day, to none or two at most.”

GAME CHANGER: Participating in the study and dance classes at Seasons Mango Hill were Frances Gallagher (left) and Anna Tullemans. Photo: Maddison Bywater

A former ballroom dancer, Ms Gallagher thought her dancing days were over, but with the assistance of Gold Moves instructors Gail Hewton and Julie Chenery, the Seasons resident has regained her physical strength and confidence.

For the first time in 12 months, she has been able to walk without relying on her mobility aid and shower without a chair.

In addition to the physical benefits the classes have provided, Ms Gallagher said she felt far more capable with going to the store, walking her dog and performing tasks for herself.

“I’m a lot more comfortable doing things for myself now, going to the store and walking my dog, and far less worried about falling over,” she said.

“If anyone ever has the opportunity to do one of these classes, they really should.”

LASTING IMPACT: The diagram shows suggested relationships between program theories in the analysis. Photo: Supplied (SOURCE: 2023 Haynes A, Tiedemann A, Hewton G, Chenery J, Sherrington C, Merom D, Gilchrist H.)

The University of Sydney’s Lecturer in Public Health Dr Heidi Gilchrist said the findings would be used to assess the feasibility of expanding the program and its potential for broader health benefits.

“This will serve as a stepping stone for something potentially pretty monumental,” she said.

“We know from existing research that dancing benefits brain function, muscle strength, balance and social connection, but there’s limited data on whether it directly reduces falls in older adults.

“If our research shows a direct link, it could lead to a wider adoption of dance-based fall prevention strategies and alternative to traditional exercise, to get people to move in a way that feels fun too.”

MOVING MEDICINE: Over the course of 10 weeks, older Australians aged 65 and over participated in a series of dance classes at the Seasons Mango Hill community. The aim of the research project was to determine whether dancing could have a positive impact on the wellbeing of seniors and reduce falls. Photo: Maddison Bywater

According to Dr Gilchrist, about one third of people over the age of 65 will experience a fall every year, leading to a loss of confidence and long-term health impacts, regardless of whether or not physical injuries were sustained.

“Some of the stories we’ve heard through this program are incredibly moving and have reminded us exactly why we’re doing this,” she said.

“We really appreciate the support we have received from Seasons and for offering this amazing space for classes… the enthusiasm of staff and the energy of the residents has been incredible.”

‘How far we’ve come’: How project inspired kayaker’s comeback

Another participant, Anna Tullemans, joined the program after she was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis – a chronic lung condition which can cause regular infections, congestion and inflammation.

She said while there is no permanent fix for the condition, participating in regular dance classes had assisted with reducing the impact of all of her symptoms and improving her muscle tone and breathing.

“The key is to stay as fit as possible,” Ms Tullemans said.

“As much as I once loved going to the gym, there’s a lot I can’t do now and I would feel too intimidated trying… plus dance has improved my strength just as much as lifting weights ever did.”

WELLNESS WARRIORS: Passionate about improving the senior wellness and promoting healthy ageing through dance are Gold Moves Australia Instructors Julie Chenery (left) and Gail Hewton. Photo: Maddison Bywater

The most significant difference the program has made to Ms Tullemans’ life has been her ability to start kayaking again – a hobby she was forced to stop five years ago.

“It feels amazing to be out on the water again,” she said.

“One lady in my class is 93 and does every single exercise – she really inspired me to not give up so easily.

“Whenever we make a mistake, our instructors remind us that we aren’t failures and remind us of how far we have come, which has really restored my confidence.”

PILOT STUDY: Senior Lecturer in Public Health at The University of Sydney and Lead Researcher Dr Heidi Gilchrist. Photo: Supplied (SOURCE: Institute for Musculoskeletal Health)

Many participants of the study said they planned to continue dancing at home when the program concludes.

The research study titled ‘The effect of a tailored dance program on health and wellbeing in people aged 65+: A pilot trial’, was funded by a Physiotherapy Research Foundation Seeding Grant.

It was conducted by Dr Heidi Gilchrist, Dr Abby Haynes, Dr Juliana Oliveira, Associate Professor Leanne Hassett, Professor Cathie Sherrington and Professor Anne Tiedemann from The University of Sydney, as well as Professor Dafna Merom from Western Sydney University.

For more information about the study and findings, click here. Discover all the vibrant lifestyle activities on offer at Seasons here.