Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2025

Community-based Adapted Tango Dancing for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease and Older Adults
Published on: December 9, 2014
Exploring the essence of a creative dance programme for older adults: Programme overview and research insights
Andrea Schärli1, Clare Guss-West2
1Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Introduction:
Dance is recognised as a safe, effective, and enjoyable means to boost physical, mental, and cognitive health in older adults. Detailed content of dance programmes for this age group is sparsely described.
Aims:
This study provides a comprehensive description and evaluation of a Creative Dance Programme for older adults.
Method:
The dance programme, described in detail in our study, was analysed with three quantitative (i.e., gait, balance and executive function tests) and one qualitative (i.e., interviews) pilot studies to gain insights into health effects of the programme.
Results:
Creative dance increased participants walking speed in both the single (t(13) = 6.65, p < 0.001) and dual-task conditions (t(13) = 5.51, p < 0.001) and reduced participants' dual-task costs of walking (t(13) = -2.24, p = 0.043). Moreover, participants reported that they felt energised after the sessions and more confident in daily activities.
Conclusion:
Our research highlights that creative dance programmes can have a positive effect on the dual task costs of walking and movement adaptability in daily life of older adults.
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Restorative Care
Social Facilitation
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early...

