Dear LPG,

I was taking a trip around YouTube not so long ago and I found the video that I have asked LPG to post today.  It shows an ex-ballerina who now has dementia and her reaction to hearing one of the pieces that she used to dance to.

I don’t have dementia and I have never been a ballerina but like her, I am getting on and her reaction to the music got me thinking that, whatever age we are, a blast (loud or soft) of the right music is something that often provokes the tap of a foot or a hum from the throat of even the most tone deaf among us. 

I used to teach aerobics a few years ago now, and one of the things that my children (who are in their late forties themselves) have always found most embarrassing about me is my need to launch into some of the exercise moves I used to use wherever I am when I hear one of those old songs that I used to use in my routines.  I may minimise the arm reaches and hip movements but I bet that I am not the only one who finds their bodies reacting to a good old tune from yesteryear while in the queue with my shopping basket. 

The sad thing is that convention has taught us all that the sight of an old person erupting into a series of dance movements in public is a really good way to minimise all credibility as the other members of that polite company look on.  This is such a shame because, no matter how silly you look when you start wiggling this and that, the one thing that you are doing is getting some exercise and that is good for all of us.

I am not saying you have to go overboard and I suppose that there is a place and time for everything but I strongly suggest that a blast of your favourite music can make any activity more enjoyable while, for some reason your mind finds a way to forget the exercise you are getting while it concentrates on which hand to raise next or which leg needs to do that little flick-kick thing.  The other thing to remember is that you can also dance while sitting on a chair, so when the mood takes you, and regardless of if you are washing up, walking through a shop or having a cup of tea express yourself and take advantage of the opportunity to get the body moving just a little!

The right bit of music can lift a spirit that is low but a little added boogie, no matter how subdued, can lift your mind and body if you will let it.  

GM, Crofton Park.

GM shares the video which motivated her to write her message…

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… and LPG could not help but remember this clip from a film which illustrates just what she is talking about…

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