Dance as a Community-Based Exercise in Older Adults

Dance as exercise may promote adherence to exercise and provide benefits similar to other forms of exercise. However, dance has not been rigorously studied; therefore, the evidence is generally of low quality involving small sample sizes and no control group. This article discusses the evidence for the benefits of dance involving people with dementia, rheumatoid arthritis (Class III), Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and on fall risk. A description of a local dance class for individuals with Parkinsons disease is described with recommendations for community-based dance classes.