Dancing at 102: A York Woman Credits Longevity to Dance
A 102-year-old York resident credits decades of dance—started at age 60—for keeping her active, fit, and full of life, inspired by classic screen stars.
In York, a 102-year-old woman says dancing has been a lifeline for her long life. She learned tap and ballet at age 60, chasing a dream inspired by Hollywood legends.
Her journey into dance
She trained at a local York dance school run by Ms Dunn, which closed in 2009 after 65 years of teaching. Despite concerns about starting late, her teacher told her age shouldn’t stand in the way, and Josie embraced the challenge.
Progress and performances
Josie reached a solid standard and even performed on stage in a show wearing a top hat and tails, a nod to the great stage traditions she admired.
Why she believes it mattered
She says watching dance greats such as Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire kept her smiling for years; later she found that dancing itself was a form of exercise without feeling like work.
If you took dancing away from life, a lot of pleasure would disappear, she says.
Birthday shout-out and message from Wayne Sleep
For her birthday, former Royal Ballet dancer Wayne Sleep sent a personal video through her Age UK social group, telling her to 'keep going' even after reaching 100.
Earlier meeting with Sleep
Years earlier, Josie met Sleep outside York Theatre Royal and gifted him self-portraits of dancer Vaslav Nijinsky; he thanked her with a kiss on the cheek.
Today, she remains convinced that dance contributes to her longevity and well-being. She notes that during her years of dancing, she never considered it exercise—she was simply having fun and staying active.
Expert opinion
Dr. Emma Carter, a gerontology specialist, says that enjoyable movement like dancing supports balance, mobility, and mood in older adults. Keeping activities you love makes it easier to stay active over time.
Summary
Josie began dancing at 60, reached a solid level, and even performed on stage. She credits dancing with helping her stay active and healthy into her 100s. Her story highlights how joyful, sustained movement supports well-being for seniors.
Key takeaway: Staying active through enjoyable movement, such as dancing, can support longevity and well-being in later life, as illustrated by Josie’s story from York. Source: BBC News
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