Just the other evening, my husband and I found ourselves swept into a delightful gathering filled with good company, delicious food, and the irresistible rhythm of a live band. For me, dancing is truly food for the soul, something I’ve always cherished. As I glanced around at the joyful faces on the dance floor that night, a thought sparked within me: I had to write about the pure, unadulterated joy of dancing, especially as we journey through aging.
Looking around, I’d estimate the average age of the dancers to be around 65. The band was playing the perfect soundtrack for our generation – timeless golden oldies – and the dance floor was alive! There’s an undeniable pull to music from our younger years, a nostalgic call to move. Yet, even in a room full of contemporaries, the age-old hesitation lingered. Who would be the first to venture onto the dance floor? Would it feel awkward if no one joined in? Would I seem like I was showing off?
Throughout history, the dance floor has represented both liberation and vulnerability. Isn’t it funny that even at this stage of life, those teenage insecurities can still creep in? It struck me as somewhat absurd. At our age, shouldn’t our thoughts be centered on gratitude for simply being able to dance? We should think of our peers facing mobility challenges, battling health issues, or those who have lost their dance partners and yearn for just one more dance.
The wisdom attributed to Mark Twain resonates so deeply: “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 invitation to break free!
It’s time we truly embraced our age and left those self-conscious teenage feelings behind. Farewell, wallflower!
Beyond the emotional liberation, I was also keenly aware of the incredible exercise dancing provides. We should seize every opportunity to move our bodies, burn calories, and awaken muscles that may have grown dormant.
My vibrant 86-year-old sister is a testament to this. She diligently strives to get her daily steps in, walking two miles whenever the weather permits. But she confessed to me, with a touch of sheepishness, that on less favorable days, she cranks up the music and dances right in her kitchen. While dancing alone in the kitchen might initially feel a little silly, it’s actually a brilliant idea. It’s an act of liberation and fantastic exercise rolled into one – and truly, nobody’s watching!
Dancing serves as such a potent metaphor for how we approach our lives as we age. We have the choice to embrace liberation and active participation, or to remain on the sidelines, merely observing time as it passes.
So, a heartfelt thank you to the party organizers who understand the enduring spirit of their dancing friends. And a little tip for the band: when playing for this wonderful age group, perhaps skip that 9 p.m. break. For many in the audience, that’s practically bedtime!
Find Connie’s book, “Daily Cures: Wisdom for Healthy Aging,” at www.justnowoldenough.com.
