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UIC researcher David Marquez was looking for a way to get older Latinos moving.
These seniors are at high risk for developing disabilities. In a small pilot study at a
Chicago senior center, he introduced them to Latin dance instruction.
We thought of the idea of using dance. It's a culturally appropriate form of physical
activity, many older Latinos have been dancing informally through family parties and that
type of thing their whole life. But there is little scientific evidence about the health
effects of doing regular dancing.
The pilot study result: healthier bodies and sharper minds.
I didn't think I was going to enjoy it this much. I'm really having fun, see I'm sweating.
I think that everybody, for those that have just met here for the first time with the
program, yeah, it's almost like they've known each other forever.
You're not just on a treadmill by yourself, you're not just walking your neighborhood
by yourself, it's involved with other people.
Now, he's recruiting more than 300 older Latinos to a new study, funded by a $1.7 million NIH
grant. They'll get four months of Latin dance classes at Chicago community centers and parks.
We always went to dance, but we never knew any steps or dances you know, so now, especially
my wife, she really enjoys that we are dancing at the same pace, and the same steps.
The study will run for four years, looking for signs of long-term improvement in balance,
mobility and social interactions.
When I go from here, I'm in a very good mood and I'm full of ideas and very energetic.
I feel very happy.
Marquez would like to see the seniors take up dancing as a regular part of their lives.
The earlier pilot program has already proven one thing: these older Latinos love to dance.
This is Jeanne Galatzer-Levy reporting for UIC News.