Age-Friendly Dance Practice: "Dance With Me"

Age-Friendly Dance Practice: “Dance With Me”

Status: Ongoing

Evaluated

Oslo

Print this page City population: 62400011% over 60Practice started in 2017

Summary

From 2015 to 2017, the municipality of Nordre Aker in Oslo led a pilot project to support the City of Oslo in their ambition of becoming more age and dementia-friendly. Among the most well received pilot projects was the age-friendly session “Dance with Me”, providing a one-hour group dance session focusing on strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Participants may choose between seated and standing options within the same session, and the choice of individual adjustments are always available to participants.

Subsequent to the pilot project, weekly dance sessions were established at the Senior House Pastor Fangens vei 22. Due to steadily increasing popular demand, there are now two sessions a week for local older persons which are open to all, as well as two sessions specifically for individuals with dementia who continue to live at home.

Social spin-off effects include group visits to dance performances, dance history lectures, and participation in World Dance Day. Dancers with dementia have also participated in a demonstration session and short Q&A in a seminar for dance teachers arranged by the Scandinavian branch of The Royal Academy of Dance at the Norwegian National Opera House.

Key facts

Main target group: Older people in general

Other target group(s): People with dementia

Sector(s): Health

Other sector(s): Participation and activity

Desired outcome for older people:
Build and maintain relationships

Other issues the Age-friendly practice aims to address:

Ageing in place
Dementia
Inclusion

Contact details

Name: Hasse, Pauline

Email address: pauline.hasse@bna.oslo.kommune.no

Preferred language(s): English

Age-friendly practice in detail (click to expand):

Engaging the wider community

Project lead: Other

Other project lead: Collaboration: Pastor Fangens vei Senior House, Municipality of Nordre Aker, Oslo kommune, Dance Artist

Others involved in the project:

Local authorities
Social or health care provider

How collaboration worked: The initial dance pilot was funded through resources earmarked for Oslo’s pilot project as an age- and dementia friendly city. The ongoing project is funded via Pastor Fangens vei Senior House, Nordre Aker Municipality, and Oslo Kommune.

Older people’s involvement: Older people were involved in the age-friendly practice at multiple or all stages

Details on older people’s involvement: Older participants have been consulted throughout; not only through direct participation, but also through having the opportunity of allowing a relative/carer or health care worker to speak on their behalf.

Moving forward

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: Yes

Was the impact positive or negative:
Positive

Please share with us what you found in detail:
The target group has welcomed a new learning and activity opportunity with open arms. They have also valued autonomy of choice – dance sessions are never obligatory, and participation is an option which they may or may not choose to take part in. the persons living at home with dementia always have an alternative activity the two days they get together.

Feedback:
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The target group that has been the driving force in increasing the number of weekly sessions.

Expansion plans:
While there are no immediate plans to expand this particular practice, dance teachers or other groups interested in the project have been welcomed to learn more about the project. The dance practitioner and a number of the participants have also taken part in a seminar for professional dance teachers interested in learning about working with people with dementia, holding a demonstration and sharing their experience.

Looking back

Reflections:
While the dance sessions have been very well recieved, the principle of choice has been central to the project. Even if only a few people desire an alternative activity or the chance to just sit and talk, it is important to have this possibility. If the practice could be done again, it would be interesting to look into quantitative measurements of physical performance and social engagement before starting compared with various time points after starting sessions.

Challenges:
Some participants may overestimate their capabilities. Therefore, sessions always begin seated and individual adaptations are always provided.