|
|
|
|
Greetings!
True confessions. I really don’t like to exercise. Oh, I know all the benefits – not the least of which is its ability to keep my brain sharp. But…I’m not inspired. I’m not motivated.
Does this ring a bell for you or those around you?
This is my dad Jack. He went to 28 dances in 30 days when he was a young man. He taught me to dance by standing on his feet at Timmerman’s Supper Club. And at 86 he’s still dancing every chance he gets.
Do you like to dance? Do you find yourself tapping your toes or snapping your fingers to lively music? Have you ever tried Zumba or Jazzercise?
Young or old, we all tend to respond almost automatically to music. And while one of my pet peeves is treating seniors like children, when it comes to music and movement, age just doesn’t matter in terms of finding ways to get active (i.e. exercise) using music.
For little ones cooped up in the house this winter a dance party is just the cure. For seniors – guess what? Same deal. It won’t look the same but the result will be the same. It feels good and it’s good for you!
Music makes us want to move. Let me tell you about "Brenda".
During our sing along "Brenda" is sitting at the end of a row of chairs with her walker in front of her. As we begin to sing Music, Music, Music she pushes up to her feet, sets her walker aside and comes quickly towards me. With one hand she grabs the neck of my guitar; with the other hand she holds my arm in a dancer’s pose. And we begin to dance. "Brenda" leads as we move in time to the music, stepping side to side. She pulls my arms back and forth, front to back. I keep singing and the others join me. When the dance is over we are both grinning from ear to ear, everyone claps and we hug.
So, I’m not going to suggest you exercise. I’ll just say “Do you wanna dance?”
Keep reading for Tricks of the Trade including some simple ideas to get you started and a list of Benefits You Can Bank On.
Yours in song (and dance),
Mary Sue
PS. The electronic version of this newsletter contains two FREE music downloads to help you get started. One for the grownups and one for the kids.
|
|
Tricks of the Trade
- Make a simple plan and get the music ready ahead of time. For seniors choose songs that were popular when they were teens or young adults.
- For each song have a suggested movement in mind, but be ready to follow their lead if they think of new ways to move.
- Be an enthusiastic leader and “show the way”. But invite, don’t assume, that children or older adults will always want to join you.
- Provide variety. Start with something mid tempo. Go to a song that has a strong beat to inspire marching and clapping. Then maybe add a waltz or even a lullaby. Each will inspire a different type of movement.
- Keep the pace of the songs manageable. Not too slow, not too fast.
- Keep the movement sessions short. For little ones this honors their short attention span. For elders it is respectful of their stamina.
- Go with the flow. Be spontaneous and don’t force it. Some people, especially introverts, will prefer to watch.
- Repeat often and don’t be afraid to use the same music multiple times.
- Have fun.
|
|
|
Line Dancing in the Hallway for Seniors
Use the safety rails found in many hallways to give your dancers something to hold on to. Holding on to the bars will make it easier to move their feet side to side (or simply sway) to the music. An added bonus is that doing this will encourage people to stand up straight. A lively mid tempo song such as Side by Side (from my CD Songs You Know By Heart) would work well.
|
|
|
Ring Around the Rosie - We All Do This! for Little Ones
Pick someone to be the leader. Sing the children’s song Ring Around the Rosie while you hold hands and move together in a circle. If holding hands and moving together is too hard just move separately. Instead of singing “We all fall down” sing “We all do this!” When the song stops the leader makes a pose or a funny statue shape with their body. Everyone else tries to copy it. Build language and observation skills by facilitating this with questions such as “How is she holding her arms? Are they bent or straight?” Take turns being the leader. This is fun in a group but works just as well with two.
|
|
|
For Children
- Develops coordination skills
- Encourages creative expression
- Helps children learn to share space with others
- Develops auditory discrimination pre-reading skills
- Gives children practice following directions
- Allows children to burn energy in a safe and happy way
- Learning to keep the beat to music (beat competency) is linked to reading achievement
|
|
For Older Adults
- Helps maintain coordination, balance and a steady gait
- “Wakes up” the body and brain
- Helps maintain and build strength (which could mean fewer falls)
- Provides an opportunity for people to do something fun that does not require remembering or speech
- Relieves stress, lowers blood pressure, helps control weight and more!
- Provides a happy way for family members and care givers to connect and interact
|
|
|
|
Need some dance inspiration? Just try to sit till while you listen and watch Cliff Richard and The Shadows sing "Do You Wanna Dance?"
|
|
Mary Sue Recommends:
Curious about my other musical endeavors? Come see my duo Drive South at 1:00 pm on the New Folk Stage at the Great Indoor Folk Festival. Here's a link to the poster and schedule.
|
|
|
Share this newsletter using Facebook, Twitter or by email using the buttons below.
|
|
|
 Mary Sue Wilkinson is the founder of Singing Heart to HeartTM and the Young at Heart Music Program. She is a career educator and professional musician. And she loves to sing! Her flagship program, Young at Heart Music, is devoted to bringing the joy of music and singing to seniors with decades of life experiences and memories tied to music. Mary Sue is available as a speaker sharing her expertise about the power of music to awaken memories and bring joy. Together with Tiyi Schippers, Mary Sue also provides music experiences for young children and training for early childhood educators.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
