Dance movement therapy for the elderly: A holistic approach Rajagopalan Jaya Department of Psychology, St. Miras College for Girls, Pune -411001 (Maharashtra) Online Published on 22 September, 2022. Abstract The purpose of this qualitative study was to find out the therapeutic usefulness and influence of Dance and Movement Therapy (DMT) on senior citizens (n = 10, 60 years and older, females) residing in old age homes. The DMT treatments lasted 36 hours over 18 sessions and were led by professionally trained facilitators. The movement activities in the sessions focused on increasing physical fitness and general wellbeing, improving social interaction and self-esteem. Thematic analysis was used for the processing of data, gathered using unstructured interviews and coding sheets.In the physical, spatial, cognitive, emotional, and social paradigms, progressive alterations were observed. Physical well-being, social relationships, psychological health, and coping were among the significant themes that emerged. Positive movement experiences increased ones connection to ones body and self. The group DMT sessions provided a therapeutic chance to express feelings with others, resulting in pleasant communal experiences, social empowerment, and improved coping methods for overcoming loneliness. Qualitative data analysis reveals that DMT improves the elderlys quality of life, increases their engagement in activities, and contributes to a sense of meaning, purpose, and energy in life. The implications for future intervention programmes are examined to integrate movement therapy as part of a holistic approach to working with the elderly. Top Keywords Dance Movement Therapy, Elderly, Holistic intervention. Top |