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Special Advertising Section | Sunday, March 23, 2025 21certainly doesn%u2019t move like anyone%u2019s idea of a nonagenarian.A couple of students danced in chairs, and Peters encouraged people to sit, use their walkers and take breaks as needed. She says any movement is good movement. Every one of the 15 people there %u2014 the number varies week to week and is generally all female %u2014 were between 80 and 90 years old, and all of them were enjoying the dancing, often singing along. For many, it%u2019s a must-do part of their week. %u201cIt%u2019s all about health,%u201d says Carolyn Weller, an 80-year-old participant.A mixed class of older and younger people meet weekly at Garfield Community Center in the Central District for a free stepdancing class run by Anna Ponder. Ponder herself improved her health through dancing. Once very overweight and diabetic, she regained her health through dancing and for the last 8 years or so, has led her energizing Soul Line Dancing classes. This class averages about 30 people who follow her lead for 90 minutes.%u201cIt is low impact enough for beginners,%u201d Ponder says. Alongside her, an assistant Everyone has that one song that if they hear the opening bars, will start tapping their toes or twisting their hips, but a lot of us are a little wary of dancing in public. However, ample scientific evidence shows that combining music and movement not only helps with fitness but can positively impact brain health and improve mental health, particularly in those who are isolated or less social. One 2023 study found that seniors %u2014 the least physically active age group %u2014 who participated in a dance program increased physical activity and reported feeling better and more satisfied with their lives. For those with neurological disorders like Parkinson%u2019s disease, moving to music can improve gait, balance and quality of life. Another study found that seniors with dementia who took part in square dancing had fewer depression symptoms and an improved sense of mental well-being. At any age, music %u2014 whether played, listened to, or danced %u2014 has been found to improve cognition.Kiera Peters, a dance teacher with PopRox Dance Studio in Seattle, has seen the combination of patterns related to dance routines and music improve cognition and reduce the progression of cognitive decline. Her dance classes at Merrill Gardens near the University District include stretching, warmups and learning a new dance routine every week. After, they return to older dance routines, stretching memory muscles as much as their bodies.Sharon Marcoe, a 90-year-old resident, looks forward to the class every Saturday %u2014 she takes every exercise class offered at the senior living facility. Peters will take requests for songs and leans heavily into music of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. She likes the way it keeps her limber and strong, and to a degree, young. She Left: Guy Caridi, right, and partner Nancy Fry perform together. (Courtesy of Karen Strand). Above: Sharon Marcoe, 90, attends a dance class every Saturday. (Lisa Jaffe / Special to Aging Well)Continued on page 22!\