Seniors Tap The Hoofers

Throwback Thursday

SENIORS TAP THE HOOFERS CLUB
A Positive Ageing Program
A Chair Tap Aerobics Class for seniors


The Hoofers Club in Harlem was a place where Tap Dancers performed and hung out. The out-of-work dancers would sometimes stay there for long periods but were told not to be caught sleeping. Thus, the Chair tap was invented, so they could hide the fact that they were sleeping in the club. Senior Tap uses the gift of dance to meet holistic needs and create community ties. Activities will introduce Tap Dancing to new members and serve as a refresher course to others who have previous tap experience. The class will also be given materials on Famous Tap Dancers and the History of Tap. It will also have a music appreciation component that will introduce different music styles such as Gospel, Jazz, Big Bands, R&B, and Latin. Seniors Tap was started at Villa Guadalupe in 2017 by a grant from Claretian Associates. When Claretian Associates partnered with the City of Chicago to establish the South Chicago Senior Center, the program was then moved into the new facility.
Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia show that seniors improve their aerobic ability, Lower body muscle, endurance strength, balance, agility, and gait through dancing. A study led by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. Funded by the National Institute on Aging and published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the mental challenge of following complex dance steps and moving in time with the rhythm lowers the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Dance increases both walking speed and balance, which are two major risk factors for falling.
Persons in wheelchairs are also invited, for the program will also benefit upper body strength and promote lower body movement. During the Music appreciation component, we will have Sing-along, Karaoke, and Name That Tune. This will increase verbal ability and improve and stabilize cognitive functioning.
Dancers need to be healthy, so information on Health Habits for Body and Mind will be shared in classes, as well as opportunities for socialization and spiritual engagement.
The class will help develop self-confidence and self–esteem in a stimulating environment. It will also improve sensitivity, understanding, appreciation, and consideration for others, both for their similarities and differences. Stanford University stated that exercise is the closest thing to the fountain of youth. Why not exercise in a cultural arts program? The program is now offered at 4 sites. South Chicago, Englewood, and Central West Senior Centers. And Hamilton Park Cultural Center is a branch of the Chicago Park District.

Older Americans Act

On this day in 1965, the Older Americans Act was signed into law, creating a lasting national commitment to supporting older adults.

Today, the OAA continues to strengthen communities by supporting home- and community-based services that help older adults remain healthy, independent, and connected as they age. Through the national aging services network, these programs provide nutrition, transportation, caregiver support, elder justice services, and much more.

Learn more: https://acl.gov/about-acl/authorizing-statutes/older-americans-act

Our member Ruby Scott engaging in recreational activities at the Harbor.

🌱 Support for caregivers is closer than you think. DFSS Support Services for Family Caregivers events are coming up across the city. Join us at an upcoming event!

Vanessa Villarreal, Nicole Garcia, Donell Walker Jr., Gregory Kwabena, Center for Better Aging, Felipe Sanchez, Damian Valentine

Join us bring you picnic basket and lawn chairs and enjoy the fun!