Loneliness Perception Is Lower Among Ballroom Dancers Aged > 50 Years

Abstract

Loneliness is a distressing feeling related to a lack of satisfying in human relationships. It is associated with poor psychological and biological outcomes. A range of evidence has shown that physical activity (PA) is a potential strategy to reduce loneliness in middle-aged and older adults. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of information concerning the effect of specific physical exercise programs on loneliness, particularly about those performed in groups. PURPOSE: To compare loneliness between adults aged 50+ who are engaged in ballroom dancing classes and non-dancers who are also not involved in any regular exercise program. METHODS: A cross sectional study encompassing 49 middle-aged and older adults (64.55 ± 6.55 yrs; 67.3% females) practitioners of ballroom dancing classes twice a week, for at least 1 year (N = 25; 65.16 ± 6.01 yrs) and non-dancers (not involved in any exercise program for at least 1 year) [N = 24(63.91 ± 7.15 yrs; p > 0.05)]. Self-report data on socio-demographics, loneliness [UCLA Loneliness Questionnaire (ULS-16)] and PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-SV) were collected via telephone interviews. Participants’ loneliness score was dichotomized into social isolation (>32 score) and affinity (≤32 score). Between groups comparisons were performed using chi-square, t-test and ANCOVA adjusted for sex, age, living alone and moderate to vigorous PA. RESULTS: Ballroom dancers had higher moderate to vigorous PA compared to non-dancers (111.60 ± 86.92 vs 27.50 ± 99.66 min/day, respectively; p = 0.003). After adjustments, ballroom dancers had a significant lower loneliness mean score compared to non-dancers (29.94 ± 1.44 vs 35.93 ± 1.55 score, respectively; p = 0.01; η2 = 0.149). CONCLUSIONS: Ballroom dancing seems to contribute to an increase in moderate to vigorous PA and satisfaction in human relationships. Thus, ballroom dancing might be a strategy to improve physical and psycho-emotional outcomes in adults aged 50 + .