Christmas can be a meaningful time for older adults as it represents a time for connection, joy, and engaging in festive activities with friends and family. However, for a lot of older adults, Christmas can be a time of loneliness and isolation. By taking part in community activities and groups over the festive season, connecting virtually with family and friends, and looking at Campaigns like Age UK’s “The Hardest Day of the Year” aim to raise awareness and encourage public support can give older adults the support they need at Christmas.
At Xpress-Yourself Dance, we know that dancing is the best medicine and dancing together mends the soul! (Especially at Christmas🎄)
Here are our 5 Benefits of Dancing together at Christmas
Creating Connections
Dancing is a social activity, and participating in dance classes or festive community events (such as Tea Dances) allows older adults to meet new people, make new friendships, and reduce feelings of loneliness. Keeping up your hobby of dancing and seeing your dance friends over Christmas can reduce loneliness and keep the bond going that you have created in your dance classes.
Sparks Nostalgia
Often when dancing at Christmas you find yourself dancing to Christmas songs creating that ultimate festive atmosphere! Christmas songs can evoke joy and nostalgia, making dancing a way to connect with cherished Christmas memories. Bonding over your favourite Christmas songs with your dance friends and engaging in conversation about each other’s festive traditions will instantly boost your mood and wash away your winter blues.
Self Expression
The creative expression of dancing together at Christmas creates emotional fulfillment. Sharing this experience with others enhances the joy and satisfaction derived from self-expression. The act of dancing liberates individuals from everyday constraints, allowing them to move freely and creatively. Christmas time can often feel busy, dancing together allows for self-expression to melt all the stress away.
Intergenerational Engagement
If you are celebrating with family or friends of various ages this Christmas, bringing in the dance moves you have learned in class is a great way to bond and share skills with your loved ones. Older adults can share dances or songs with younger family members, creating opportunities for storytelling and cultural exchange. This not only preserves traditions but also enhances the festive spirit by involving everyone in the celebration.
Keeping you Warm in the Winter Months
Dancing together at Christmas generates body heat, helping to keep you warm in cold weather. The physical activity increases blood circulation, which is essential for maintaining warmth during winter months when temperatures drop significantly.
Help for Older Adults this Christmas
The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army believes no one should be homeless, lonely, or hungry this Christmas. For older adults they are providing Christmas lunches and companionship for those who live alone. For more information follow the link here
Age UK:
Age UK’s Christmas Campaign ‘Make Christmas a Little Brighter’ aim to help older people who have no one to spend Christmas with. Find out more about their campaign here
Helpline from Age UK 0800 678 1602
The Silverline Helpline 0800 4 70 80 90
Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC run weekly Keep Dancing classes, suitable for older adults across, Birmingham, Solihull, Walsall, Sandwell and online. Keep Dancing will teach you dances from around the world with no need for a dance partner. Find your nearest Keep Dancing class here.
Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC also runs classes to support carers in Birmingham thanks to Funding from Forward Carers CIC. Find out more about our Keep Dancing for carers here
If you enjoyed reading 5 Benefits of the Argentine Tango for your Physical and Mental Health, you might want to consider reading 5 Effective Benefits of the Quickstep for your Physical and Mental Health
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