Dancing Through the Ages: The Therapeutic Power of Dance for Cognitive Wellness
“I believe wholeheartedly in the therapeutic and healing power of dance. Dancing is ageless and the glue that brings people of different generations, persuasions, and beliefs together in a safe and happy environment. The friendships and companionships formed from dancing are life-transforming.” - Sandi Finci Solomon
Dancing Through the Ages: The Therapeutic Power of Dance for Cognitive Wellness
Introduction to Ageless World of Dance At the heart of Appalachian State University's College of Health and Sciences lies a unique initiative, presented through the collaborative efforts of Blue Cross and the university, aimed at supporting individuals facing cognitive challenges such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and depression. This initiative takes an engaging form—dance.
The Therapeutic Power of Dance Kicking off the first event of App State’s Aging Academy, Sandi Finci Solomon, a Boone resident and the founder of Ageless World of Dance, shared her lifelong passion for dance and its rejuvenating essence. At 85 years young, Solomon's dance-filled life stands as a testament to staying youthful and active. “I believe wholeheartedly in the therapeutic and healing power of dance,” Solomon asserted. She emphasizes that dance is a timeless activity that not only bridges generations but also fosters deep, life-transforming connections.
Benefits Beyond Enjoyment The benefits of dancing extend beyond mere enjoyment. According to Solomon, it offers both social and fitness perks, providing a wholesome gathering for people from all walks of life. Dancing is celebrated for its ability to unite families, enhance mental agility, and slow the aging process, offering a fun defense against cognitive decline.
A Dialogue Across Generations Lon Wilkinson III, co-founder of Ageless World of Dance, highlighted the invaluable dialogues that dance ignites across generations, fostering hope and a sense of belonging. He passionately spoke about recognizing and supporting the veterans and first responders, “Our heroes have sacrificed so much... It is our responsibility as a grateful society to provide them with the support they deserve,” Wilkinson noted, underscoring the significant role of partner dancing.
Cognitive Wellness Insights The event also featured insights from Dr. Kim McCullough, a Speech-Language Pathologist at App State, who kicked off the first Aging Academy presentation of the year. Dr. McCullough shared vital knowledge on cognitive wellness, stressing that while aging is the primary risk factor for dementia, there are proactive wellness practices to bolster brain health.
Community Impact and Participation Contributions to the event also came from Mary Sheryl Horine and Gavin Colquitt, who respectively underlined the importance of staying physically active and fostering a connected community, especially in the rural settings of Watauga County.
Engaging the Aging Population Heidi Tait and participants like Herlinda Poe and Sandy Clearwater shared their positive experiences with the program, reinforcing the value of integrating the aging population into educational and social activities at the college.
Conclusion This vibrant initiative not only sheds light on the significance of physical activity and social interaction in aging but also sets a profound example of how communal efforts can enhance the lives of those in need.
Learn More For more details on this impactful program, visit the original article on Watauga Democrat.