Impact of Senior Dance on emotional and motor parameters and quality of life of the elderly

Abstract

Objective: to verify the effects of Senior Dance on cognitive and motor parameters and quality of life of elderly people.  Methods: pre-experimental study with pre- and post-test for a group with a convenience sample composed of 20 elderly of both genders. Participants were evaluated through the agility test, the balance scale and inventories of depression and anxiety, and a questionnaire on quality of life. Elderly people participated in a physical activity program featured as Senior Dance for a period of three months. Results: the intervention resulted in improved scores in most of the variables, with significant results only for anxiety classified as temporary emotional state. Conclusion: Senior Dance was effective as physical exercise to improve the quality of life, as well as the physical and mental health of the elderly.