Laurie, 68 – Dancing Improves Mental Health

Laurie Willis is one of the 2025 Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes sharing updates on her health and wellness journey through the rest of this year. After years of struggling to find a fitness activity, Laurie finally reconnected with her love of dance in her 60s through Zumba. Learn more about Laurie’s journey here, and read on to find out about the mental benefits of dancing.

As I mentioned in my previous blog post, participating in Zumba dance fitness has made a huge difference in my life. I’m physically in better shape than I’ve ever been. And perhaps more meaningful to me, is how Zumba has dramatically changed my mental health and attitude. I believe this can be true for many fitness activities – once you find one that you love.

As my physical abilities and my mind/body coordination continue to improve, how I feel about myself has also improved. I’m more confident, secure, and joyful! At the end of class, my favorite instructor often reminds us to take the good and joyful energy with us out into the world. I’ve done this by bringing Zumba energy to the rest of my life. Friends who have known me a long time have commented on how much I have changed – coming across as more confident, less shy or afraid, and participating in life in a different and more connected way.

Benefitting the Brain

The need for mind and body to work together to follow and learn moves causes neurons to form new connections in the brain.

Studies have shown that dancing – and Zumba in particular – impacts not only your mood and emotional health, but also improves your brain. The need for mind and body to work together to follow and learn moves causes neurons to form new connections in the brain, which can lower risk of dementia and alleviate some symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

The reason Zumba has been specifically mentioned in studies is because it’s slightly different from some other types of dance fitness. The moves are based on the music, rather than merely using music as a background for a set of fitness movements. When the music changes, the moves also change. Zumba choreography is created by first listening to the music, then coming up with moves that express what the music is conveying. The moves are repetitive enough that they’re easy to follow, but varied enough that one cannot put the body on “auto-pilot” and just move without thinking about it.

Footwork and Focus

Zumba also requires mental focus. It’s almost impossible for the mind to wander, worry, or think about other things while still managing to follow the instructor, listen to the music, and pay attention to the steps. For me and many of my Zumba friends, this provides an opportunity to let go of whatever is bothering us and merely focus on dancing. I’m sure this is also true for other fitness activities, like competitive sports. Whatever helps you put aside your stress and worries to focus on NOW is good for your mental and emotional health!

Groove with a Group!

Being part of the community helps me keep coming back, even on days when my body would rather stay in bed.

Like other fitness activities that are done in a group, Zumba has helped me learn to be part of a community. This has required me to step past some of my social fears and accept invitations to participate in community activities. This can be anything from simple group photos after class, to parties, and group outings like trips to the beach. Being part of the community helps me keep coming back, even on days when my body would rather stay in bed. Find your “tribe” and join in, whatever activity that might be for you.

Rhythm and Repetition

In order to obtain the best benefits from dance and group fitness, studies recommend a minimum attendance of twice a week. If you’re able to do more, that’s even better. Start where you are now, and see where you end up. For me, I started attending Zumba once or twice a week and built up from there. Now, I’m doing Zumba 5-6 times each week either as a student or in my own class as an instructor.

Once you settle into the activity that’s right for you, you’ll be surprised at how your life changes!

Think about yourself. Are you participating in a fitness activity that helps your mental health? If so, great! If not, let your instincts help you choose one and give it a try. If you prefer to participate from home rather than going to a gym or elsewhere, Senior Planet offers lots of free fitness classes online for you to choose from. Whatever you choose, start by committing to participating twice a week for a limited time – maybe a month – so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Check in with yourself after that time and decide whether to continue or try something else. Once you settle into the activity that’s right for you, you’ll be surprised at how your life changes!

Let’s Dance!

If you’d like to give dancing a try, save the date to join me here on Zoom on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 1:30pm EDT for a special presentation and Zumba workout. I’ll share more about my own wellness journey and lead you in a fun fitness routine that anyone can learn and enjoy. Hope to see you online!

In need of a little motivation to get moving? Join our daily health and wellness programs, stay tuned to the latest news and articles from SeniorPlanet.org by signing up for The Orbit weekly newsletter, and follow us on social media (Facebook | YouTube | Instagram) to get to know these awe-inspiring athletes. You might just find a new love for fitness along the way!

Images courtesy of Laurie Willis