Research Society and Development · Oct 11, 2026
Effect of dance on the mental status of older women
By dos Santos FABAEB, Silva CM, Silva LNBS et al.
Aging is associated with a decline in functional, cognitive, and social abilities, favoring the development of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. In this context, dance stands out as a health promotion strategy by integrating physical, psychological, and social benefits, contributing to the autonomy and quality of life of older adults. To analyze the contribution of dance practice to the mental health of older women. This is a qualitative and quantitative study conducted with women between 60 and 80 years of age, divided into two groups: those who practiced dance and those who did not. Data were collected using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MEEM) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Participants who practiced dance had a lower prevalence of depression (6.66%) than those who did not (26.66%). Conditions such as osteoarthritis, heart disease, COVID-19, chikungunya, and suicide attempts were also assessed, with better health indicators observed among those who practiced dance. Dance practice was shown to be an important strategy for promoting the mental health of older women, contributing to the reduction of symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as promoting physical, psychological, and social well-being, with a positive impact on the quality of life of this population.