I have written many times about the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new things as we age. The benefits are not just enjoyable, but also good for your brain health. I was reminded of this recently when I met David De Vorre, who shared his experience learning square dancing in his late 70’s and why it has been so important to him.
David became a widow in 2017 and slowly his social life got smaller and smaller, especially when the pandemic hit. A few years later he was fortunate to meet a woman at church and they started chatting. This woman shared that she was also a widow and explained that she had decided she wasn’t going to sit around and feel lonely and sorry for herself, so she took up dancing.
She encouraged David to try square dancing, as it provides clear instruction and is good for beginners who prefer to have instructions to follow. While David was unsure, he took a step outside his comfort zone and signed up. Soon, he saw many of the benefits of pushing himself to learn something new.
Square dancing has benefits physically, socially and mentally. There is a caller who gives instructions on what move to do next. You are dancing in a square with seven other people, and you interact with each other while following the caller’s directions. David says, “you have to maintain focus and be ready for the next call to come and to execute it. Talk about having to be sharp.”
I remember taking a Bollywood Zumba class one time. I was not familiar with the moves and had to follow the instructor while dancing and getting my exercise. At the time I remember sharing with the instructor how this class was excellent for my brain health.
When we do t activities where we learn new things it enhances the connectivity between cells in the brain. This action builds our brain reserve, which, in turn, increases neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt. Studies indicate it can help to ward off or delay dementia.
David’s new square-dancing activity was not only enhancing the connectivity between cells in his brain, it was also increasing his social connections and reducing loneliness.
While he felt worried that he would execute a call wrong and let down the group, he found that the skilled leaders, referred to as “angels,” were very understanding. They would tell him not to worry or take it personally because they had all been there at one time and felt the same way.
David has now been at this new activity for two years. He dances with a club called the Simi Valley Boots and Slippers. He has even become part of their Board of Directors, and is active in their charity, The Guide Dogs of America.
His advice to others who want to try something is ” Give it a try. And if you don’t like it stop. But at least give it a fair chance.” You never know unless you try something if you will enjoy it and if it will add joy and value to your life. Too often we hold back because of worries or self-consciousness. Just remember what the “angels” told David, everyone has been a beginner at one time. You cannot learn something new or become skilled if you do not start at the beginning.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
