Qualitative inquiry of a community dance program for older adults in Singapore

Abstract

AbstractDance programs promote physical and psychosocial well‐being. However, studies focusing on the experiences of older adults in dancing are limited. This study aims to develop a community dance program (CDP) for older adults at senior activity centers in Singapore, as well as to explore the older adults' and student instructors' experiences of the CDP. A qualitative inquiry of semi‐structured and in‐depth focus group discussions was conducted. In total, 20 older adults and 10 student dance instructors participated in the study. Student instructors who were undergraduate students from a dance society were trained in how to provide step‐by‐step instructions for the older adults. An inductive approach of thematic analysis was undertaken. Three main themes were identified: (i) promotion of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health with dance; (ii) imagination is power—travel through dance; and (iii) further enhancement of the dance program. The themes highlighted the prominence of CDP in improving memory, physical health, mood, and social interactions—thus mitigating the risk of social isolation. The findings illustrated the benefits of CDP in cultivating intergenerational bonds amongst older adults and student instructors.