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Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to understand what is was like for older women (78–92 years of age) who recently relocated to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) to participate in a five-week dance/dance movement therapy (DMT) class called Let's Keep Moving. Dance and DMT have many quality of life benefits for a range of populations (i.e. people with Parkinson's disease) but little is known about how dance/DMT might be beneficial for older adults as they adjust to relocation. Method: A phenomenological case method approach was selected to guide this study. Data were collected and triangulated from videotaped footage and field notes taken of the dance class and from focus group interviews with participants. Analysis revealed themes that had both structural and meaning units. Results: Being special and belonging, realizing a new and improved self, and moving better and feeling better were associated gains for participants. Having a teacher who was an authentic role model and provided inspiration was important/motivating to participants as well. Conclusions: Participation in dance/DMT appears to help older women reduce relocation stress by fostering personal growth and social connectivity. Moreover, the precepts of Newman's Health as Expanding Consciousness appear to have utility in guiding thinking about health and quality of life for the old-old who are relocating to CRCCs.
Acknowledgements
A special thank you to Marsha Scully, director of Wellness at the Palisades at Broadmoor Park Senior Residence, to the residents whose willingness to participate in something new at this time in their lives was pivotal to our understanding of dance/dance movement therapy in this context, and to Barbara Willis, dance instructor, for her time, effort and ongoing commitment to our Palisades' residents.