Country line dancing and older adults

Abstract

This study investigated the extent to which country line dance programmes in New Zealand can enhance the physical, social and psychological well-being of older adults. It focussed on line dance programmes for the over fifty age group, who represent the fastest growing section of the New Zealand population. Country line dancing was introduced into New Zealand in the early 1990s. It was quickly embraced by many people who arc attracted to country music and the country way of life and to the mixed-generation milieu of line dancing. Country line dancing has continued to grow in popularity, with 190 different line dance groups being listed in the March 1999 edition of The BEAT, New Zealand's national country line dance magazine. Many New Zealand adults aged fifty years and over participated in ballroom dancing as young men and women and spent many hours on the dance floor. Country line dancing can offer much of the enjoyment and exercise they experienced when young, and an opportunity to recommence recreational dancing. Literature promoting exercise and fitness programmes, including country line dancing, as an effective source of physical, social and psychological benefit for older adults is reviewed. Fieldwork for the collection of research data was carried out between August 1999 and November 1999. Quantitative and qualitative information was obtained from line dancers and line dance instructors by way of self-administered questionnaires and follow-up interviews. Attention was given to obtaining information about the motivations and expectations that older adults have regarding line dance programmes and what perceived benefits, if any, they have gained from line dancing. Areas investigated include real and perceived improvements in health or medical conditions; possible barriers to enrolling in line dance classes and how these could be overcome; what makes for a successful line dance programme; what older dancers like best about line dance programmes; and what types of line dancing are most popular with older dancers. This data is used to identify the key components of the structure and content of country line dance programmes which help to ensure older line dancers are appropriately provided for. It also includes information to inform the work of health and fitness instructors, and recreation and leisure policy makers. Findings indicate that many older adults commenced country line dancing for mainly social reasons such as to have fun and meet people, but quickly came to appreciate the physical health and psychological benefits to be gained, including improvements in arthritis, asthma and blood pressure levels and improved memory. These findings were supported by line dance instructors, who reported observing improvements in line dancer's balance and coordination, their straighter posture and agility, and their improved memory and concentration. Discussion of issues related to the future development of country line dance programmes as an effective form of exercise and enjoyment for older adults in New Zealand conclude this thesis.