Mark your calendar. July 28th is National Dance Day. Established in 2010 by So You Think You Can Dance co-creator Nigel Lythgoe, the day is all about getting up and dancing.

Experts recommend all adults, including senior citizens, get 30 minutes of exercise each day. Aim for 150 minutes a week, but it’s best to exceed it. One of the best ways to get your aging parent to exercise is by dancing. Here are some of the best dances for seniors who want to get their exercise through dance.

Cha-Cha

The Cha-Cha is a Cuban dance that requires dancers to learn just four steps. Footwork involves steps and hip action. Some steps are more of a shuffle with the toe staying on the ground. Many feel it’s one of the easiest dances for beginners because it’s timed to the rhythm of the music.

Pasodoble

Pasodoble (double-step) is meant to replicate the dance of a bull and bullfighter. It’s easy steps set to the rhythm with the second dancer staying close by as the fighter’s cape. You need a lot of space for this dance, so it’s rarely seen outside of competitions.

Salsa

Salsa is all about the music’s rhythm. Feet, legs, and hips move, but the upper body tends to stay steady with arms on the other dancer’s back or behind the back. The basic steps are considered some of the easiest to learn, which makes it a good dance for the beginner.

Swing Dance

When it comes to swing dancing, look specifically at the Lindy Hop. There are not a lot of steps, though it does require some lifts and spins that will have your parents’ feet off the ground. If the landing is an issue due to weaker ankles and knees, this may be a dance to learn after muscle and joint strength increases. They can also just skip over the lifts and jumps.

Waltz

The rhythm of a waltz is pretty clear. It’s that one-two-three, one-two-three that you hear in some songs. For a beginning dancer, it’s pretty easy to learn. It’s a step forward (one), a step to the side (two), and place feet together (three). The lead dancer moves forward while the other dancer moves backward.

Exercise is important at any age. Seniors may avoid daily exercise as arthritis sets in. Make sure your mom and dad stay active as part of their senior care routine. Sign up to join them in a dance class. If they won’t, make sure they ride a bike, go swimming, or take a walk every day.

If you can’t be there to make sure they exercise, a caregiver can. Caregivers can cheer them on, drive them to senior centers for exercise programs and dances, or join them on walks. Learn more by calling a senior care agency.

Are you or a family member considering Home Health Care in Folsom, CA? Talk to the friendly staff at Golden Years In-Home Senior Care.   Call Us Today 916-333-0383. We are here when you need us!