Care homes rock around the Christmas tree to celebrate the power of dance in later life

Christmas is a time to spend with loved ones and spread joy and happiness to all.

n the run-up to the festive season, new research reveals the nation’s love of dance and highlights the physical, mental and social benefits of dancing for people of all ages.

Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of care and housing for people in later life, has launched Move Into Christmas –a campaign celebrating the power of dance, as 65% of older people seeing dancing as a fun and engaging way to keep fit and 43% say it makes them happy.

Former Strictly Come Dancing champion and television presenter Ore Oduba is backing the campaign and has been enjoying dancing with some of Anchor’s residents.  A festive dance routine has been developed by Anchor’s Zest Dance team and can be done by anyone – either standing up or sitting down. It’s inspired by the Christmas classic ‘Rocking Around the Christmas Tree’ and aims to bring some much-needed festive joy to the nation.

Aston spoke to Helen Core, national wellbeing manager at Anchor.

Photo by Jeffery Erhunse on Unsplash