In this two-part Catalyst special, nine older Australians take part in a twelve-week experiment exploring the power of dance for people over the age of 65.
Hosted by Myf Warhurst, the programmes explore the emerging science that says dancing can improve fitness, balance, memory, mood and cognition.
In short, it might slow the effects of aging.
Most of our volunteers have no dance experience, so leading them through this experiment is one of Australia’s most accomplished choreographers – Kelley Abbey (Dancing with the Stars, Happy Feet).
Her task is to prepare them for a one-of-a-kind, accomplished performance to friends and family at the end of the 12 weeks.
Our dancers are living with many of the health conditions we face as we age – Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, cancer, peripheral neuropathy and poor balance that leads to falls. Monitoring their progress through physical and cognitive tests is biomechanical scientist Dr Rachel Ward from UNSW.
Will the twelve weeks of dance have beneficial results for the volunteers including 67-year-old Rod who lives with neuropathy (nerve damage) in his legs and 75-year-old Shirley, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease? And will dance improve both physical and cognitive health of the nine older Australians as they prepare for their performance?
Production credit: An ABC production. Producer Director: David Symonds, Associate Producer: Oliver Graham, Rebecca Hill, Executive Producer: Penny Palmer, A/ Head of Factual and Culture: Richard Huddleston.
is it planned to have more of these?
Hi Lynn – there is a second episode next week in the same timeslot.
Very keen to watch this as i missed the last one but saw enough to create an interest.
What a wonderful show to watch so uplifting & inspiring. Live in regional SA & would love to see a similar experiment like this take place here. Well done to all organisers & participants.