TV dance star steps out with care home residents

TV dance star Erin Boag stepped out with residents of Carders Court Residential and Nursing Home in Castleton, today (22 June) to help them waltz their way to better health.

Ms Boag, who has become a household name following her appearances on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ visited Carders Court as part of Bupa’s ‘Shall We Dance’ campaign which encourages older people to improve their physical and emotional wellbeing through dance.

She led a dance session at the home and highlighted Bupa’s appeal for local dancers, dance troupes and dance teachers – of any style – to contact their local care home and share their passion for dance by performing for residents or teaching dance classes to people with a range of mobility issues.

The initiative comes after a new Bupa report – called ‘Keep Dancing’ - highlighted the many ways dance can contribute to the emotional and physical wellbeing of over-65s. It also revealed that fewer than 1-in-5 people aged over-65 get the recommended levels of physical exercise. For over-75s this falls to fewer than one-in-10 people.

Ms Boag said: “It’s been great fun to dance with the people of Rochdale.

“I want to share my passion for dance because it is such a wonderful way to improve fitness and can be done by anyone regardless of experience or ability.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to show the residents a few simple moves.

“My Gran is in a Bupa care home in New Zealand and has thoroughly enjoyed getting involved in the activities – so I can see the positive impact that dance can have. It’s never too late to start!”

Rose Elward, manager of Carders Court Residential and Nursing Home said: “Many of our residents have fond memories of going to dances and they loved the dance session with Erin.

“But it’s not just about this event though as we are aiming to increase the amount of dance activities for our residents.

“We’re asking for any dancers in the local community – whether amateur or professional – who would like to give demonstrations or lessons to our residents, or even just join in, to get in touch.”

The Bupa ‘Keep Dancing’ report showed how dancing is beneficial in improving the health and fitness of older people beyond other types of exercise.

As well as improving coordination, reaction times, muscle endurance, flexibility, gait and strength - which all reduce the risk of falls in older people - it is proven to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of conditions as diverse as dementia, arthritis and Parkinson’s disease. It also carries with it a social element which can help improve confidence and reduce isolation amongst older people.