Aligned to Go: Dance Fitness for Seniors - Men's class

💃 Join our lively, dance-based falls prevention class designed for older adults with reasonable mobility. This weekly one-hour session at Age Concern Otago combines strength and balance movements in seated, standing, and walking positions.

What you'll experience:

• Friendly, supportive atmosphere with trained Peer Leaders
• Exercises that improve strength, balance and flexibility
• Faster-paced movements adapted for older adults
• A social community of like-minded people

Class details:

• Location: Age Concern Otago, 26 Bath Street, Central Dunedin
• Cost: $3 per class
• Contact: Margaret Dando QSM (03-479-3052 or margaret@ageconcernotago.co.nz)
• Bring: Flat shoes, comfortable clothes and a water bottle

This programme was created by Matthew Onarheim-Smith, an ex-professional dancer and osteopath, and has shown significant improvements in participants' lower-leg strength and gait speed.

Benefits of Dance-Based Exercise for Older Adults 🧠💪

Dance-based exercise programmes like Aligned to Go offer numerous benefits for seniors and those at risk of falling. These classes combine the joy of movement with evidence-based exercises that improve physical function and wellbeing.

Physical benefits include:

• Improved balance and coordination to reduce fall risk
• Increased muscle strength and joint mobility
• Better posture and body awareness
• Enhanced cardiovascular health

Mental and social benefits:

• Reduced stress and improved mood
• Enhanced cognitive function through learning new movements
• Social connection and reduced isolation
• Increased confidence in everyday activities

Regular participation in structured movement classes has been shown to help maintain independence and quality of life as we age. The combination of rhythm, coordination challenges, and strength exercises makes dance-based programmes particularly effective for older adults.

Rest assured that our trained Peer Leaders understand how to adapt movements to suit different abilities, allowing you to progress at your own pace and take breaks whenever needed.