Ms Loretta Yurick:

The other issue we wish to raise with the committee is that dance, and contemporary dance in particular, is poised to make a significant contribution to social, physical and mental well-being for all. What would the members say if they were offered a prescription that would make them feel less pain, improve their balance, make it easier to meet people, feel less stiff, more fluid, think clearer, breathe deeper, sleep better, reach higher, smile more and be more confident, and without any side effects? That is what contemporary dance can do. We have a developed an evidence-based programme that can be delivered by professional dance artists and that makes people feel good in themselves and is good for them. It is called Well-Dance for Seniors. It is a modern dance and music programme designed and developed specifically for older adults and those with Parkinson's disease or dementia. It addresses balance, fitness, mobility, cognitive functioning, memory and recall and, more important, it takes people into their own well of creativity.

Why dance and why now? Ireland’s population is shifting to one with a much higher proportion of older people, with the proportion to double by 2031. There is a tsunami of age-related illness coming, including dementia, falls, cardiovascular disease and arthritis. Recent studies indicate 28% of all seniors are either clinically depressed or borderline, and of those, almost 50% have a low rate of engagement; their world has shrunk. We are living longer; the challenge is to live better.