Grant: Project Grant

Frailty is a common medical concern among older adults. Early intervention is key to better health. Medical guidelines recommend regular exercise for older adults to improve physical function. Dance is a rhythmic movement to music. It combines various exercises as an enjoyable activity that can be therapeutic for older adults. Our team developed the GERAS DANCE program to address these needs. We are planning a research study to explore the benefits of GERAS DANCE. Our main goal is to see if the program improves physical abilities in older adults with frailty. The plan involves 4-months of GERAS DANCE or other active control sessions guided by certified instructors at local YMCA centers. With 250 participants, we will assess participants at 0, 4, and 12 months. We are a team of clinicians and clinical researchers with expertise in geriatric medicine and healthy aging. If successful, GERAS DANCE could be expanded across Canada and beyond.