Dance your way to successful ageing, says study

Approaching 60? Dance your way to successful ageing, says a new study.

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have carried out the study and found dancing can stave of old-age illness -- in fact, it can make older people improve their health and happiness and even counteracts decline in ageing.

"I have found that social dancing leads to a continued engagement with life -- past, present, and future -- and holds the promise for successful ageing. It contributes to longevity of the dancers, giving them something to enjoy and focus upon.

"It alleviates social isolation and quite literally helps take away the aches and pains associated with older age. In addition, dancing brings people together across communities by creating solidarity, tolerance and understanding," lead researcher Dr Jonathan Skinner said.

The researchers came to the conclusion after analysing the effects of social dancing amongst older people in Northern Ireland, Blackpool and Sacramento in the US.

Co-researcher Dr Una Lynch said: of the university said: "The study challenges stereotypical images of ageing and highlights the fact that healthy ageing can be fun."

The findings of the study have been presented at a research launch at Queen's University Belfast recently.