WHIDDON Kelso residents are able to make all the right dance moves without having to leave their chair thanks to a recently introduced program.
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The Dancewise program aims to improve residents' physical and mental health, mobility and co-ordination even while they are seated.
Whiddon Kelso recreational activities officer Leanne Bowman said the chair-based program is run for residents in the hostel and in the dementia unit and has been enthusiastically embraced.
"Dance is for everyone," she said. "There are no limitations as to who can participate.
"Even if someone isn't moving, they are still getting the benefit from it because their heart will pick up the beat of the music."
She said residents can follow a routine or make up their own moves.
"It's open. It's freedom through dance," she said.
And some songs encourage a singalong.
"Rawhide is amazing," Ms Bowman said. "They love Rawhide.
"And with We'll Meet Again, everyone in that room sings. That song has got such a beautiful meaning for them."
According to Whiddon, a UK study showed that regular participation in dance programs can reduce cognitive impairment by up to 76 per cent.
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