Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1187876
Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain We can't say if you will look this good — this is our instructor, Christine (photo inset), but according to a new study, published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, "… older people who routinely partake in physical exercise can reverse the signs of aging in the brain, and dancing has the most profound effect. While previous research has shown that physical exercise can combat age-related brain decline, it is not known if one type of exercise can be better than another. To assess this, the exercise routines given to the volunteers differed. The traditional fitness training program conducted mainly repetitive exercises, such as cycling or Nordic walking, but the dance group were challenged with something new each week. Dr Rehfeld, lead author of the study, based at the German center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, explains, "We tried to provide our seniors in the dance group with constantly changing dance routines of different genres (Jazz, Square, Latin-American, and Line Dance). Steps, arm-patterns, formations, speed and rhythms were changed every second week to keep them in a constant learning process. The most challenging aspect for them was to recall the routines under the pressure of time and without any cues from the instructor." The Village Line Dancers classes do exactly that — mix up the types of dance routines and, with repetition, enable us to recall the routines without any cues from the instructor. According to the article, "These extra challenges are thought to account for the noticeable difference in balance displayed by those participants in dancing group. Dr Rehfeld and her colleagues are building on this research to trial new fitness programs that have the potential of maximizing anti-aging effects on the brain" Check the OHCC weekly calendar for any changes, but December's scheduled classes are in Abravanel Hall except as noted: It's a great workout for the mind and body. Sign up at any time or on Do Dues Day on Jan. 4. Observe a class or pay and participate in one or two classes before joining. Dues are $10 per person, per year and $5 for each class. Our Line Dancing class videos are at OceanHillsCountryClub.com, Clubs, Village Line Dancers, "More" (at the bottom right), VIDEOS. | OHCC LIVING | DECEMBER 2019 | 17 Village Line Dancers Village Squares As the year comes to an end, we all are looking forward to our holiday party and the installation of our new board. We will have a catered dinner on Dec. 4, followed by dancing, called by an engaging elf. We will take the last two weeks of December off to allow our members extra time with family, and to prepare for Do Dues Day and our Open House, which is scheduled for Jan. 8. If you are curious about square dancing, come see us on Do Dues Day! We will be happy to answer any questions. At our Open House, you can not only watch some good dancing, but our caller will get you out on the floor to try it out. Please check out our website at http://ohccvillagesquares.wix. com/villagesquares. Along with a monthly calendar of events, there are also links to other club dances in the area, videos of all the dance moves the students are learning, pictures and videos of our club events, and even a video of Sam, the square dancing dog. Any questions, please contact our president, Pete Cannon at OHCCVillageSquares@gmail.com. Holiday Dance Party: Fri., Dec. 13. Put on your festive holiday attire and join the fun of dancing on our first-class Abravanel Hall dance floor. The opportunity to hear quality live music from Musicstation is a treat you won't want to miss! Next Year: Ballroom Dance Club Bigger and Better. We have lots of exciting plans for next year. Challenge yourself, get your mind and body in better shape by taking advantage of professional lessons in the comfort and elegance of Abravanel Hall. Dance the night away with your Valentine at our monthly dances on the second Friday, starting on Feb. 14. Need more information? Have any questions? Email Club President Carrie McBride at ohccballroom@gmail.com. Ballroom Dance Beginners - Thursday 2:30 to 3:30 pm except Dec. 5 & 12 changed to 3:15 to 4:15 pm in the Mykonos Room Intermediate - Monday 12:30 to 2 pm except Dec. 9 - our Winter Party is that night Advanced - Tuesday 10:30 am to noon except for Dec. 24 & 31