New Zealanders get their dancing shoes on

New Zealanders get their dancing shoes on for shall we dance

Over 4000 Bupa employees, residents and people from communities around New Zealand will take part in dance related activities this week as part of the Bupa Global Challenge 2011.

The Bupa Global Challenge will see thousands of Bupa employees from around the world joining together with their local communities in June to encourage more people to get moving. Bupa Care Services New Zealand is celebrating this with a Shall We Dance challenge.

Shall We Dance will see Bupa inviting people to take part in dance related events in their care homes and retirement villages. Events include black tie dances, afternoon foxtrot and waltz sessions and sit dance activities for those people less mobile. Many of the events are being held at the care homes and villages however some have had to move to larger locations such as local RSA's, community centres and the like due to the large numbers getting involved.

A recent international healthcare survey Bupa Health Pulse revealed that of the 1000 New Zealanders surveyed 20% of people said they found dancing the most enjoyable way to get active while 34% preferred to walk. Other activities included swimming, running and going to the gym, did not rate highly in those surveyed.

When asked the reason why people would take up dancing 42% said it was for social reasons and 23% said to get fitter. With the high 42% being motivated by the social aspects it is no wonder that Bupa have received an overwhelming response to their Shall We Dance challenge which encourages people to get active while also being a social occasion.

"We are delighted with the response we have had from the community for Shall We Dance. To have so many of our staff, residents and people from the community taking part is wonderful" said Dwayne Crombie, CEO Bupa Care Services. "There are so many positive experiences in growing older, we are delighted to be able to help create some more."

The worldwide initiative sees Bupa employees joining together with communities around the world to get more than 35,000 people moving. Exercise is one of the most effective lifestyle changes people can make to reduce their risk of developing long term conditions and improve their emotional wellbeing.

ENDS

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