Many may envision a senior citizen as someone frail and incapable, or someone crotchety and irritable. Though societal views of older people are often patronizing or antagonistic, the Merionettes flip the script on these ideas.
Deep in the heart of Evanston, Illinois, lies the Merion, a retirement community home to the dance group “the Merionettes.” Led by teacher Heidi Mokrzycki, the Merionettes frequently perform for the Merion’s residents, as well as the wider Evanston community.
“There’s so many benefits,” said Mokrzycki. “There’s socialization. You can see them come together and form this wonderful community, and they exercise together. It brings so much joy. It also helps them get stronger. It helps them with brain health as well. They have to remember the dance steps and the sequences, and that’s something we don’t do on a day-to-day basis.”
The class is facilitated by a program called BeMoved Gentle, which teaches dance to participants with limited physical mobility. Both Mokrzycki and members of the Merionettes find immense benefit from the routine dance classes.
“It’s all being present of what’s happening at that particular moment. She’ll play ‘Hit the Road, Jack, ‘ or we’ll do some other jazz or salsa songs. We’ll do different stuff,” said 90-year-old Lila Friedman. “You’re always present to be able to hear the music, to do the movements and so forth. When you’re doing that, you have to be present.”
Physical activity becomes less prominent as a person grows older. According to Healthline, moderate physical activity can have a massive benefit towards the overall health of someone 65 or older.
A study by the Harvard Medical School discusses the impact of dance on the brain. According to the study, dancing can improve brain health, coordination, reduce stress, and release serotonin.
“I think the teacher’s point is to keep our brains following the routine. Every routine is a little bit different,” said 90-year-old Merion resident Toni Rae. “That way, you really have to be paying attention and focusing. It’s good for memory.”
In a society where senior citizens are often looked down upon, community-based programs like the Merionettes are increasingly important. The National Institute on Aging states that many older adults often feel socially isolated, which can lead to problems like cognitive decline, depression, and even heart disease. By creating a program in which senior citizens can bond, maintain brain health, and form a community, the Merionettes combat senior loneliness.
“A lot of people here are in their 80s and some in their 90s,” said Friedman. “I gave a talk one day about exploration, joy and what that meant. I talked about an inner joy that you have. That’s just there inside of you, and it’s a matter of getting in touch with it and staying there as much as you can.”
