Just recently, my husband and I had the pleasure of attending an evening filled with delightful company, good food, and the irresistible rhythm of a live band. For me, dancing is truly food for the soul, a lifelong passion. As I glanced around at the other guests that evening, a thought sparked – the inspiration for this article about dancing and aging.
Looking around the room, I estimated the average age to be around 65. The band played a fantastic selection of golden oldies, perfect for dancing! Music from our younger years has an undeniable pull, urging us to the dance floor. Yet, that age-old hesitation often creeps in. Who will be the first to start dancing? Will I feel self-conscious if I’m the only one? Will it seem like I’m showing off?
Throughout history, the dance floor has represented both a haven for self-expression and a potential arena for insecurity. Isn’t it somewhat absurd that at our age, we still grapple with these teenage-like anxieties?
I realized the silliness of these thoughts on several levels. At this stage of life, our mindset should shift to gratitude: “I am grateful that I can get up and dance!” We should think of our peers facing debilitating conditions like arthritis, breathing difficulties, or vascular disease. Consider those who have lost their partners and would cherish the chance for one more dance.
Mark Twain is often credited with the inspiring quote: “Sing like no one is listening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching, and live like it is heaven on earth.” It’s a powerful call to liberation!
It’s undoubtedly time to truly embrace our age and shed those outdated, teenage insecurities. Farewell, wallflower!
Beyond the emotional and social aspects, I also considered the sheer physical benefit of dancing. We should seize every opportunity to move our bodies, burn calories, and engage muscles that might be dormant.
My vibrant 86-year-old sister is a testament to this. She makes a conscious effort to get her daily steps in, diligently walking two miles whenever the weather permits. She confessed to me, with a touch of sheepishness, that on days when the weather is unfavorable, she turns up the music and dances right in her kitchen. The idea of dancing alone in your kitchen might initially feel a little awkward, but it’s actually brilliant. It’s an act of liberation and a form of exercise, all rolled into one – and indeed, nobody is watching!
Dancing serves as a powerful and relevant metaphor for how we approach our lives as we age. We have the choice to embrace liberation and active engagement, or to remain on the sidelines, watching time pass by.
So, a sincere thank you to the party organizers for believing in their friends’ enduring love for dance. And a little tip for the band: when you play for this wonderful age group, perhaps consider skipping that 9 p.m. break. For many in your audience, that’s practically bedtime!
Find Connie’s book, “Daily Cures: Wisdom for Healthy Aging,” at www.justnowoldenough.com.
