Augmented dance lessons for diaspora Indian older adults: examining the impact on adjustments, quality of life, and physical agility

ABSTRACT

This article reports a study on the effectiveness of augmented dance lessons or dance lessons embellished with a meditation component, with diaspora Indian older adults in improving their cross-cultural adjustments, quality of life, physical activity, and balance confidence as compared to regular dance lessons. Results suggested that those who participated in the augmented dance lessons reported significantly higher post-test scores on all outcomes, compared to those who did the regular dance lessons (p < .05; Hedges’ s g = 0.37–0.79). Gains were higher for older women and those with higher formal education. Older adults with better self-rated health and well-managed ailments/no ailments reported higher scores on post-test physical activity and balance confidence outcomes. Intervention compliance (attendance, homework completed) significantly influenced post-test outcome scores. The interactions between gender, education, self-rated health, ailment type and status, and intervention compliance variables impacted outcomes in a dynamic manner. Tobit models estimated the increase in post-test outcomes due to the augmented dance lessons alone, controlling for significant socio-demographics. Augmented dance lessons are beneficial for diaspora or immigrant Indian older adults with some refinements needed for older male adults and those with lower formal education alongside including aspects to improve overall health and resources to maintain optimum physical functioning.

KEYWORDS:

• Dance lessons
• augmented dance lessons
• diaspora Indian older adults
• adjustments
• quality of life
• physical agility

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

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Samta P. Pandya

Samta P. Pandya is a faculty member at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India. Her areas of research include art forms, spirituality, and interventions across the lifespan. She also has formal training in Kathak dance form and Hindustani classical music.