On this episode of the Community of Innovation podcast, we are talking about boosting brain health through exercise – but not the traditional forms of exercise that might come to mind. We are talking about dance.
CABHI Spark-funded GERAS DANCE was created by experts in rehabilitation and geriatrics, combining science with social elements to promote enjoyable exercise among older persons.
The program offers benefits that span far beyond the exercise session. Participants develop networking groups, walking clubs, and social meetups, which further contribute to dementia prevention.
Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou, one of the program’s co-creators, explains how GERAS DANCE adopts a functional exercise approach – movements that enhance strength, mobility, and balance, all while engaging the brain – into the dance routines. While it may seem simple, functional exercise improves one’s ability to tackle daily tasks and age in the setting of one’s choice.
Mrs. Kiran Gupta then shares from a peer-instructor and participant’s perspective, providing first-person testimonials about this dance-based program. GERAS DANCE, specifically the Bollywood-themed program, makes Kiran and her participants feel alive. The cultural element woven into exercise – the music, the movements, the singing – sparks joy and motivation for everyone involved.
What people love most about GERAS DANCE is the accessibility of the program. Exercise does not have to be intimidating or overly intense to reap benefits. Dr. Papaioannou and Mrs. Gupta encourage everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, to join these exercise programs and start from whatever level of activity they currently find themselves.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about GERAS DANCE and its benefits.
Episode Resources:
• GERAS DANCE: www.gerascentre.ca/
• Y@Home for free GERAS DANCE videos until October: https://www.ymcahome.ca/public-gentle-fit
Learn more about our guests
Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou is a Professor of Medicine (Division of Geriatrics) at McMaster University, a Geriatric Medicine Specialist at Hamilton Health Sciences and Executive Director of the joint Geras Centre for Aging Research. She holds a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Geriatric Medicine and Healthy Aging, serves as the lead clinician-scientist of the Canadian Geriatrics Society Frailty working group, and is a member of the Global Frailty Network. Dr. Papaioannou is also the Chair of the Regional Geriatric Program for Central Ontario. Her program of research is focused on bringing the best research evidence to the frontlines of care for older adults to age with dignity and independence.
Mrs. Kiran Gupta is the founder and chairperson of the Hindu Samaj Wellness Club in Hamilton. She has held the position of President and has served numerous times as a board member for the parent organization, the Hindu Samaj of Hamilton & Region. Kiran has a Master’s degree in Sociology, Bachelor’s degree in Education, and Business Computer and Accounting Certification from Mohawk College.
About the Podcast
CABHI’s Community of Innovation podcast is where topics on ingenuity, aging and brain health collide. Join us as we talk to experts in healthcare, research, technology, and business, as well as older adults and their caregivers, about the innovative practices and healthtech solutions helping us all lead longer, healthier lives.
Hosted by Dr. Allison Sekuler (President and Chief Scientist at CABHI) and Dr. Rosanne Aleong (Director of Research, Innovation, and Translation at CABHI).
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