Dancing Helps Us Socialize—A Key to Health and Happiness

People need people. We are social beings, and we need others in our lives to keep us healthy and happy. According to the Mayo Clinic, friends are vital to good health because they offer us companionship, increase our sense of belonging and purpose, boost happiness, reduce stress, improve self-worth, help us cope with sadness, and encourage us to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

A Harvard study led by Gerontologist Thomas Glass showed that being with others is just as important as exercise. Glass and his team followed several thousand people age 65 and older for a period of 13 years. They found that those participants who engaged in social activities like volunteer work and playing cards were just as healthy as those who engaged in physical activities like swimming and walking.

“Social engagement was as strong as anything we found in determining longevity,” says Glass. “It was stronger than things like blood pressure, cholesterol, or other measures of health.”

“As a society,” Glass continues, “we should be finding more ways for people, especially older people, to stay involved and active. At any age, we need to begin to think beyond the boundaries of the Stairmaster.”

“Physical fitness is important,” adds Glass, “but social engagement is turning out to be just as critical to longevity. Find something you really like doing that involves other people, whether it’s taking dance classes, playing cards or walking in the mall. Social engagement adds a sense of purpose to people’s lives. It also seems to add years to those lives.”

Dancing is a great activity for people of all ages because it provides us with the physical exercise and social contact that we all need and crave. It’s an easy way to get involved with the community and have some fun. Discover the benefits of social dancing and contact the Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Charlotte and Lake Norman, NC. They even host dance parties where their students can practice what they learn.

“Friendships: Enrich Your Life and Improve Your Health”

“Life of the Party: Study Shows That Socializing Can Extend Your Life”