Pina, I., Britten, L. and Astill, S. orcid.org/0000-0002-9443-6934 (2024) “We’re still seeing people on the screen, we still keeping our bodies moving”: exploring the transition from face to face to online dance classes for community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Arts & Health: An International Journal for Research, Policy and Practice. ISSN 1753-3015
Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 outbreak meant that people were unable to attend art-based community classes such as dance. In response, activities transitioned to digital modes of delivery. In this study, we aimed to explore the feasibility, inclusivity, and impact of transitioning to an online dance class.
Methods
Thirty community-dwelling older adults (59–84 years old) were recruited from community groups in Yorkshire (UK). Participants completed an online survey at baseline and after attending 8 weeks of online dance classes. The survey captured perceived benefits on physical activity and mental wellbeing. Two separate focus groups (N = 12) were conducted to explore if the online dance transition could be an opportunity to keep this group active and socially connected.
Results
Survey data revealed no significant difference in the amount of time engaged in physical activity, but mental wellbeing significantly improved. Themes from the focus groups included holistic wellbeing related to the experience of dance, inclusive participation of online dance, and online dance facilitating social connection and sense of belonging.
Conclusions
The research provided insight into the online transition of a dance class for older adults, especially regarding inclusivity, sense of belonging and social connection.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC-BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Keywords: | Digital; exercise; art-based; inclusivity; holistic wellbeing |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Biological Sciences (Leeds) > School of Biomedical Sciences (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 18 Nov 2024 14:50 |
Last Modified: | 18 Nov 2024 14:50 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
Identification Number: | 10.1080/17533015.2024.2410811 |
Related URLs: | |
Sustainable Development Goals: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:219719 |