Dance Science and Health (daSH) programme: dance-based intervention as a social prescription to improve or maintain determinants of health, brain health, neuroplasticity, mental wellness, and quality of life for Singaporean’s older adults with Mild Cognitive impairment / Denise Leok Song Ting

This enquiry explores the benefits of dance-based interventions on the Determinants of Health for older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), surrounding brain health, neuroplasticity, mental wellness, and quality of life. Existing literatures research reveals positive and promising results; however, majority of the studies are limited to population sample outside of Singapore. The perception of art differs greatly in Singapore given the culture, arts education, and upbringing of Singaporeans; hence it was crucial for the study to be contextualised and conducted in Singapore with Singaporean older adults to accurately determine the effectiveness of dance-based interventions for Singapore’s older adults. Sixteen older adults from Presbyterian Eldercare @ Potong Pasir (Presbyterian Community Services), a maintenance day care centre, were volunteered to be part of the eight-week project, comprising sixteen dance-based intervention sessions. Adapted from Aesop’s Dance to Health’s logic model, the study aims to find out if an existing established framework can be modified and applied locally. Pre- and post-questionnaires like Mini Mental State Examination and Mild Cognitive Impairment Quality of Life Questionnaire, as well as semi structured post-intervention interviews affirmed a positive effect cognitive functions and quality of life for older adults participating in a dance-based intervention. The study served as a successful feasibility study that laid a solid foundation for future in-depth study, and would help pave the way for potential collaborations and partnerships in the arts and health sector, specifically in the ageing sector as well as public healthcare systems, such as Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), National Healthcare Group (NHG), and National University Health System (NUHS). In summary, the findings from the study were promising and will be able to contribute positively to the arts and health sector in Singapore.