THE BENEFITS OF DANCE IN THE ELDERLY LIFE QUALITY AT THE MARIA SALVADOR FAIS CENTER FOR THE LIVING OF THE BEST AGE – (CCMI) IN ALTAMIRA TOWN, PARÁ STATE - BRAZIL

Abstract

The present article showed an investigation into the benefits of dance in the elderly life quality at The Maria Salvador Fais Center for the living of the best age – (CCMI) in Altamira town, Pará state - Brazil. We considered the causes and consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, quality of life and the benefits of dance for the elderly. We pointed out the relevant factors of dance practice in the life quality of seniors, and reported the benefits that this activity provides for the health support, since it makes daily life healthier. Dance, in this context appears as an activity that provides significant improvement to health; it brings many physical, psychological and social benefits. The methodology was initially using literature search and field research, where there were implemented different activities related to dance. The sample consisted of 42 elderly aged over 65 (sixty-five years old), at the CCMI. This study made reference to authors like OTTO (1987), who in his work highlights the importance of dance to the quality of life for seniors, since between 85.70% of those surveyed like to practice dance; and Spirduso (1995) that addresses the sedentary lifestyle and life quality of the elderly. The results showed the influence that dance plays for a better quality of life of elderly at the CCMI, since it helps and contributes to promoting healthy lifestyle, improving self-esteem and social relationships.