This seminar offers insights into dance medicine and health aspects of ageing and the role of dance for this age group. First, a distinction is made between important age groups and demographic and physical change processes are explained. Both the movement system and mental functions are examined with regard to age-related characteristics and limitations. The question of how movement and dance can be used to promote health and maintain vitality while taking physiological and mental characteristics into account is also explored. In a second part, practical examples of senior dance will be discussed. Existing dance approaches, age-specific programs and projects designed for dance in old age will be presented and discussed. In addition to the recreational component, potential opportunities for professional dance in old age will also be discussed.
What physiological and mental changes are associated with the natural ageing process and how can fitness be trained in old age? What resources does dance offer in old age and how can dance continue to exist and be used as a living cultural asset in old age? What offers already exist and what does the practical implementation and teaching of dance content look like when working with people in old age?
Dr. med. Elisabeth Exner-Grave studied dance at the Folkwang University in Essen and medicine in Düsseldorf and Bochum. She qualified as an orthopaedic specialist in 2000 and practices in rehabilitation medicine.
She is the editor of the standard work "TanzMedizin" published by Schattauer Verlag. She worked for many years as a senior physician at the rehabilitation and training center medicos.AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, where she headed the competence center for dance medicine. She is a founding member of Tanzmedizin Deutschland e.V. and works as a lecturer and consultant for dance medicine in Germany and abroad. In 2016, she received the recognition award as part of the German Dance Award ceremony.