A Radio One DJ has said that people over 40 shouldnt dance. Oh how wrong.
One of the stories to round off this summer’s silly season was sparked by Theresa May’s self conscious dancing style. For those of you who missed it, the prime minister joined in with dancing children whilst on a trip to Africa and was subsequently accused of the heinous act of ‘dad dancing’. This is a summary of events: 1) Theresa May is mocked for failing to look good while dancing; 2) While appearing on ITV’s This Morning and faced with Eamonn Holmes dancing alongside Shaun Smith from Pineapple Studios, Radio One DJ Jordan North says over-40s dancing is “cringey” and that older people should “clap along” rather than dance; 3) North is criticised in the Daily Mirror for ageist comments and the other heinous act of not knowing who Gene Kelly was.
And it is all a bit silly. Firstly, none of us knows how Theresa May dances when she kicks off her heels and is in the privacy of her own living room. Secondly, under-30s such as North will cringe at many things that people over 40 do, including dressing to look sexy, kissing in public (unless they are over 70, in which case it is ‘cute’), and attempting to use youth speak. Thirdly, North shouldn’t be criticised for not knowing who Gene Kelly was. When my mum once mentioned Flanders and Swann I certainly didn’t know who they were. (A musical comedy act, to save you having to google it.)
But silliness aside, if ever there is a time to be dancing then it is definitely when we are over 40. Dancing is not only an excellent form of physical exercise, but it also has mental and emotional benefits, because it causes us to release feel-good neurotransmitters. If we do it in a group, there are also social benefits; and if we dance with a partner, there is physical contact which is beneficial for our health too — even if it is just holding hands.
This story is from the Autumn 2018 edition of Optimum Nutrition.
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This story is from the Autumn 2018 edition of Optimum Nutrition.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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