Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15516/cje.v22i4.3805
Experiences of Older People with Dancing as a Form of Physical Activity
Ana Štambuk
; Department of Social Work, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb Nazorova 51, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Valentina Tomičić
orcid.org/0000-0003-0010-8452
; Association of Disabled Workers and Other Persons with Disabilities of the City of Duga Resa Mrežnička obala 8, 47250 Duga Resa, Croatia
Abstract
In terms of active aging, physical activity, which is considered a major factor in
preserving good physical and mental health, is particularly emphasized. In this
paper, the focus is on dancing as an activity that includes motor skills, cognitive and
sensorimotor capacities, emotional and social tendencies and sensory abilities. The
aim of the study was to gain an insight into some aspects of participation in dance
activities from the perspective of older persons who participate in dance activities. The
results of the research demonstrate that older persons cite new life circumstances as a
reason for engaging in dance activities, as well as good organization of dance activities
for older persons. They also highlight the characteristics and relationships among
members of a dance group, as well as the importance of the leader’s role, responses
of their social environment, enrichment of daily life by dance and the discovery of
dancing as a talent that contributes to the sense of community at a higher level.
Certain difficulties related to participation in dance activities are highlighted as well
(e.g. differences in participants’ abilities to master dance steps). Older persons regard
participation in dance activities as yielding multiple benefits: as a determinant of
physical and mental health, preserving cognitive functions, expanding the network of
friends and acquaintances, and a feeling of having free time that is rich in activities.
It can be concluded that dancing plays an important role in the lives of persons who
participate in these activities, as well as that it represents a positive contribution to
various aspects of their lives.
Keywords
active aging; andragogy; physical activity; dancing; older persons
Hrčak ID:
250639
URI
Publication date:
20.12.2020.
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