Laurie, 68 – Dancing Improves Mental Health
Laurie Willis is one of the 2025 Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes sharing updates on her health and wellness journey through the rest of this year. After years of struggling to find a fitness activity, Laurie finally reconnected with her love of dance in her 60s through Zumba. Learn more about Laurie’s journey here, and read on to find out about the mental benefits of dancing.
As I mentioned in my previous blog post, participating in Zumba dance fitness has made a huge difference in my life. I’m physically in better shape than I’ve ever been. More importantly, Zumba has dramatically transformed my mental health and attitude. I believe this can be true for many fitness activities—once you find one that you love.
As my physical abilities and mind/body coordination continue to improve, my self-perception has also enhanced. I feel more confident, secure, and joyful! At the end of class, my favorite instructor often reminds us to carry that good energy into the world. I’ve embraced this by infusing Zumba energy into my daily life. Friends who have known me for years have noticed my transformation—I come across as more confident, less shy, and more engaged in life.
Benefitting the Brain
The need for mind and body to work together to follow and learn moves causes neurons to form new connections in the brain.
Studies have shown that dancing—and Zumba in particular—impacts not only your mood and emotional health, but also improves your brain. The need for mind and body to work together to follow and learn moves fosters new neuronal connections, which can lower the risk of dementia and alleviate some symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.
The reason Zumba is highlighted in studies is that its moves are based on the music, rather than merely using music as a backdrop for fitness movements. When the music changes, so do the moves. Zumba choreography is crafted by first listening to the music and then creating moves that express its essence. The moves are repetitive enough to be easy to follow, yet varied enough to keep the mind engaged.
Footwork and Focus
Zumba also demands mental focus. It’s nearly impossible for the mind to wander while trying to follow the instructor, listen to the music, and pay attention to the steps. For me and many of my Zumba friends, this provides a chance to let go of our worries and simply enjoy dancing. This is likely true for other fitness activities, like competitive sports. Anything that helps you focus on the present moment is beneficial for your mental and emotional health!
Groove with a Group!
Being part of the community helps me keep coming back, even on days when my body would rather stay in bed.
Like other group fitness activities, Zumba has helped me become part of a community. This has pushed me to overcome some social fears and accept invitations to participate in community events—anything from group photos after class to parties and outings. Being part of this community motivates me to return, even on days when I’d rather stay in bed. Find your “tribe” and join in, whatever activity resonates with you.
Rhythm and Repetition
To reap the best benefits from dance and group fitness, studies recommend attending at least twice a week. If you can do more, that’s even better! Start where you are and see where it takes you. I began attending Zumba once or twice a week and gradually increased to 5-6 times each week, either as a participant or as an instructor.
Once you settle into the activity that’s right for you, you’ll be surprised at how your life changes!
Reflect on your own situation. Are you engaged in a fitness activity that supports your mental health? If so, fantastic! If not, trust your instincts to choose one and give it a shot. If you prefer to work out at home rather than at a gym, Senior Planet offers numerous free online fitness classes. Whatever you choose, commit to participating twice a week for a month to avoid feeling overwhelmed. After that, check in with yourself and decide whether to continue or explore something new. Once you find the right activity, you may be amazed at how your life transforms!
Let’s Dance!
If you’d like to give dancing a try, save the date to join me here on Zoom on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 1:30pm EDT for a special presentation and Zumba workout. I’ll share more about my wellness journey and lead you in a fun fitness routine that anyone can learn and enjoy. Hope to see you online!
In need of a little motivation to get moving? Join our daily health and wellness programs, stay tuned to the latest news and articles from SeniorPlanet.org by signing up for The Orbit weekly newsletter, and follow us on social media (Facebook | YouTube | Instagram) to get to know these awe-inspiring athletes. You might just find a new love for fitness along the way!
Images courtesy of Laurie Willis
Laurie Willis is one of the 2025 Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes sharing updates on her health and wellness journey through the rest of this year. After years of struggling to find a fitness activity, Laurie finally reconnected with her love of dance in her 60s through Zumba. Learn more about Laurie’s journey here, and read on to find out about the mental benefits of dancing.
As I mentioned in my previous blog post, participating in Zumba dance fitness has made a huge difference in my life. I’m physically in better shape than I’ve ever been. More importantly, Zumba has dramatically transformed my mental health and attitude. I believe this can be true for many fitness activities—once you find one that you love.
As my physical abilities and mind/body coordination continue to improve, my self-perception has also enhanced. I feel more confident, secure, and joyful! At the end of class, my favorite instructor often reminds us to carry that good energy into the world. I’ve embraced this by infusing Zumba energy into my daily life. Friends who have known me for years have noticed my transformation—I come across as more confident, less shy, and more engaged in life.
Benefitting the Brain
The need for mind and body to work together to follow and learn moves causes neurons to form new connections in the brain.
Studies have shown that dancing—and Zumba in particular—impacts not only your mood and emotional health, but also improves your brain. The need for mind and body to work together to follow and learn moves fosters new neuronal connections, which can lower the risk of dementia and alleviate some symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.
The reason Zumba is highlighted in studies is that its moves are based on the music, rather than merely using music as a backdrop for fitness movements. When the music changes, so do the moves. Zumba choreography is crafted by first listening to the music and then creating moves that express its essence. The moves are repetitive enough to be easy to follow, yet varied enough to keep the mind engaged.
Footwork and Focus
Zumba also demands mental focus. It’s nearly impossible for the mind to wander while trying to follow the instructor, listen to the music, and pay attention to the steps. For me and many of my Zumba friends, this provides a chance to let go of our worries and simply enjoy dancing. This is likely true for other fitness activities, like competitive sports. Anything that helps you focus on the present moment is beneficial for your mental and emotional health!
Groove with a Group!
Being part of the community helps me keep coming back, even on days when my body would rather stay in bed.
Like other group fitness activities, Zumba has helped me become part of a community. This has pushed me to overcome some social fears and accept invitations to participate in community events—anything from group photos after class to parties and outings. Being part of this community motivates me to return, even on days when I’d rather stay in bed. Find your “tribe” and join in, whatever activity resonates with you.
Rhythm and Repetition
To reap the best benefits from dance and group fitness, studies recommend attending at least twice a week. If you can do more, that’s even better! Start where you are and see where it takes you. I began attending Zumba once or twice a week and gradually increased to 5-6 times each week, either as a participant or as an instructor.
Once you settle into the activity that’s right for you, you’ll be surprised at how your life changes!
Reflect on your own situation. Are you engaged in a fitness activity that supports your mental health? If so, fantastic! If not, trust your instincts to choose one and give it a shot. If you prefer to work out at home rather than at a gym, Senior Planet offers numerous free online fitness classes. Whatever you choose, commit to participating twice a week for a month to avoid feeling overwhelmed. After that, check in with yourself and decide whether to continue or explore something new. Once you find the right activity, you may be amazed at how your life transforms!
Let’s Dance!
If you’d like to give dancing a try, save the date to join me here on Zoom on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 1:30pm EDT for a special presentation and Zumba workout. I’ll share more about my wellness journey and lead you in a fun fitness routine that anyone can learn and enjoy. Hope to see you online!
In need of a little motivation to get moving? Join our daily health and wellness programs, stay tuned to the latest news and articles from SeniorPlanet.org by signing up for The Orbit weekly newsletter, and follow us on social media (Facebook | YouTube | Instagram) to get to know these awe-inspiring athletes. You might just find a new love for fitness along the way!
Images courtesy of Laurie Willis
