Summary
From 2015 to 2017, the municipality of Nordre Aker in Oslo led a pilot project to support the City of Oslo in their ambition of becoming more age and dementia-friendly. Among the most well received pilot projects was the age-friendly session “Dance with Me”, providing a one-hour group dance session focusing on strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Participants may choose between seated and standing options within the same session, and the choice of individual adjustments are always available to participants.
Subsequent to the pilot project, weekly dance sessions were established at the Senior House Pastor Fangens vei 22. Due to steadily increasing popular demand, there are now two sessions a week for local older persons which are open to all, as well as two sessions specifically for individuals with dementia who continue to live at home.
Social spin-off effects include group visits to dance performances, dance history lectures, and participation in World Dance Day. Dancers with dementia have also participated in a demonstration session and short Q&A in a seminar for dance teachers arranged by the Scandinavian branch of The Royal Academy of Dance at the Norwegian National Opera House.
Key facts
Main target group: Older people in general
Other target group(s): People with dementia
Sector(s): Health
Other sector(s): Participation and activity
Desired outcome for older people:
Build and maintain relationships
- Ageing in place
- Dementia
- Inclusion
Contact details
Name: Hasse, Pauline
Email address: pauline.hasse@bna.oslo.kommune.no
Preferred language(s): English