Get Up and Dance!

Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of attending a Beatles Tribute concert, generously sponsored by Nostalgia Magazine, during which people of all ages and backgrounds jumped from their seats (including me!) and began to sway in the aisles, along with the tunes.

 I even noticed a judicial candidate, along with a former state senator, celebrating and appreciating the harmonies.

 What is it about music and dancing that remains so engaging to a wide variety of personalities?

Researchers have long advocated that a strong connection exists between good mental health, movement and musicality.

A recent study found that when you try to move in synchronicity with someone else, it also improves your self-esteem, which can reduce symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, while encouraging a feeling of well-being.

For many years, my law firm organized and sponsored, along with many other community and business leaders, a Luncheon to help raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s and Dementia. This time, we invited Ballroom Professionals to entertain us. At the end of the event, the performers then lead the entire crowd in a coordinated dance effort.

All the attendees giggled and laughed, really enjoying not only observing the professional routines, but especially delighting with participating in the group dance themselves.

Everyone left the event, smiling, displaying increased energy and connections with one another.

We know that our minds and bodies remain interdependent. The way we move clearly affects the way we think and feel. Could it be that one of the easiest ways to handle the issues of aging and life is simply to dance our way through it?!?

As the Beatles once sang, I don't need to hug or hold you tight, I just wanna dance with you all night, In this world there's nothing I would rather do, 'Cause I'm happy just to dance with you”!

The Solution, a Hug!

As a native born and raised Floridian, I highly appreciate the changing of

the 4 seasons that we find in our Southern State: mildly hot; hotter; hotter than

Hades, and, of course, Fuhgeddaboudit Hot.

The advent of the changing of seasons is precipitated by telltale signs,

especially notable during our “Mildly Hot” time of year.

As nature watchers report, beautiful creatures migrate here each year, to

enjoy our wonderful climate, known to even the most casual observer as the

much-coveted “snowbird”.

We know this by increased traffic, more populated restaurants and

shopping areas, as well as the addition of the music of this season: the dreaded

honking.

As I drive in my beloved convertible, I must decide each day whether to

enjoy the benefits of living in paradise and driving with my car top down or being

accosted by the cacophonous noise surrounding me.

Growing up in a tourist state means I was taught at a young age to

appreciate all that these visitors bring. Truly, I still do. However, the level of

impatience and stress on the roads definitely does begin to impact me.

I know I am not alone in this.

As my temperament is more of a “fixer”, not a complainer, I decided to

take action.

Researchers affirm that one in three adults is chronically lonely. Those

studies indicate that socially isolated individuals tend to report higher irritability,

poor health and psychological distress. Simply stated, as we age, the less we

feel connected and physical touch does a lot to alleviate that. The Solution? A

Hug!

Now I am not advocating stopping your vehicle and hugging someone

while driving on the Turnpike.

However, during interactions with others, perhaps we can decrease some

of the stress in our community simply by giving each other a hand to hold.

As the poet, John Keats, said, “Touch has a Memory”. So today, let’s

follow AT&T’s encouragement and, “Reach Out and Touch Someone”!

Pay it Forward...

It can be said that certain ladies in our community may have more plastic in their bodies than what is found in their wallets. The water aerobics class I joined recently definitely proved that not everyone needs flotation devices to stay buoyant. That was just one small insight that the session provided.

At 41, I was diagnosed with stenosis, degenerative disc disease and told that I have 2 herniated discs in my lower back. Strenuous exercise on my beloved stairmaster was not recommended any longer. So I searched for alternative ways to release stress and stay fit.

            All of which is how I arrived at an aquatic center early one morning, doing a water workout.

            As I was, by far, the youngest member of the class, I was eyed with a lot of suspicion and wariness. Some thought I even might be the instructor. Since back pain is not something that others can notably discern, the “Regulars” questioned my intent at participating.

            I definitely felt like the new kid on the block and was instantly reminded of being a young teenager, starting class at a new school.

            There was the “in” group, of course, who wore brighter, more “modern” bathing caps than the others, and let me know right away not to touch their equipment: it was reserved for them. A few shy participants smiled timidly in my direction. A group of “misfits” annoyed everyone with their splashing and loud conversation.

            Amongst this, I was the athlete, and if you know me, that is unbelievable. I was watched with outright envy and disgust. What a feeling! I admit enjoying the appreciation and all was going great until I suffered a “Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction”, while doing jumping jack movements.

            The shame was overwhelming until I realized no one around me had their glasses on and probably did not see what happened!

             The point is that no matter how old (or young) we are, social interaction and inclusion remains integral to our identity. Getting older does not make that feeling of wanting to be important disappear. Actually, the opposite happens.

            The whole episode reminded me of how as we get older, sometimes we feel as if we disappear from society. No longer young and pretty, many older individuals complain of not feeling wanted or needed. Family, work and our community as a whole needs to embrace this incredible resource we have in our senior population, taking advantage of the time, patience and experience each person offers.

            So for the lady in the pretty, blue-ruffle bathing suit, thank you. Many thanks for winking and looking the other way when that embarrassing moment happened. I appreciated your kindness and plan to pay it forward. Just not at water aerobics.