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Lower Dementia Risk
Medical Studies Confirm Ballroom Dancing Keeps
Elderly Fit, Alert and Happy
May 27, 2005 A medical study of elderly men and
women over age 75 concludes what ballroom dance fans have always known -
their favorite activity is great for health and happiness. The
complexity and moving with the music lower the risk of dementia, the
researchers say.
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Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York
City studied 469 people over age 75 and found that ballroom dancing was
associated with a lowered risk of dementia. The mentally challenging
aspects of dancing -- following complex dance steps, moving in time and
staying with the rhythm of music -- is believed to be responsible. The
study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
In the last few years, many prominent medical
research centers have announced clinical studies highlighting the
benefits of a regular program of ballroom dance both for fitness and
battling Alzheimer's.
"We see the benefits of ballroom dancing in our
studios every day, and we see it whenever our students and teachers
gather for dance parties and competitions. Dancers are a lively and
social group, excited about what they are doing and enjoying each
other's company," says Thomas D. Murdock, Vice President, Marketing for
Arthur Murray International. "They are happy and they are having fun.
It's a winning combination for everyone."
Studies on the benefits of ballroom dance have also
been conducted by California State University at Long Beach, showing
that even beginning students can get their heart rates up to
near-maximum training rates with a five-minute warm-up and a 20-minute
Cha Cha, Polka or Swing. Even moderate ballroom dance burns between 250
- 300 calories per hour, and vigorous dancing can burn as many as 400
calories per hour.
In addition, the Mayo Clinic Health Letter
encouraged readers to try ballroom dancing as a great way to burn
calories, improve cardiovascular health and help in developing strong
social ties, which contributes to self- esteem and a positive outlook.
A news release from Arthur Murray Dance Studio says
a visit to any of their studios offers further proof that all of these
studies are right on target. Students are happy, as this is the place
they come to have fun, see their friends, make new friends, and enjoy a
respite from everyday lives. At amateur and professional competitions,
the same vision presents itself -- people from all ages moving, dancing,
and, above all, smiling, says the release.
The dance instruction company says Arthur and
Kathryn Murray are perhaps the best example of this. They both continued
dancing long after retiring from active management of the organization
and both lived -- and danced -- well into their 90s. Many Arthur Murray
Dance Studio owners have seen age 65 come and go without thinking of
retiring or even slowing down.
News source:
Arthur Murray Dance Studios can be found throughout
the United States and Canada and in Brazil, Italy, Jordan, Israel,
Egypt, South Africa, Japan, Australia and Puerto Rico. For more
information about ballroom dance, visit the Arthur Murray International
website at
http://www.arthurmurray.com/.
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