Loading
Anchor Homes
    • Campaigns and research
    • Anchor research
  • Press room
  • Guides and support
  • Existing residents
    • Call on

      07713 085 004

      Mon-Fri (8am-6pm)

      Sat (8am-4pm)

    National Care Forum logo
  • Individual
  • Careers
  • Professionals
  • Media
  • Investors
Anchor Homes
  • Individual
  • Careers
  • Professionals
  • Media
  • Investors
  • Home
  • Media
  • Press room
  • Anchor and Ore Oduba rock around the Christmas tree to celebrate the power of dance

1 December 2021

Anchor and Ore Oduba rock around the Christmas tree to celebrate the power of dance

In the run-up to Christmas, new research from Anchor reveals the nation’s love of dance and highlights the physical, mental and social benefits of dancing for people of all ages. 

In response we have launched Move Into Christmas – a campaign celebrating the power of dance, to boost wellbeing in a fun and accessible way.

Backed by BBC Strictly Come Dancing champion, radio and television presenter Ore Oduba, the festive campaign encourages the nation to get active through an inclusive dance routine, and aims to bring people together following a period of social restrictions last Christmas.

 

More than just movement

Anchor’s research found that dancing provides a great opportunity for people to start and maintain good fitness habits, with 65 per cent of older people seeing dancing as a fun and engaging way to keep fit. This sentiment is supported by the wider public as 79 per cent say it’s important for older people to stay fit and active in later life. The NHS also recommends dancing as a great way to lose weight, maintain strong bones, improve posture and muscle strength, and increase balance and coordination. 

The benefits of dance extend far beyond fitness, as 73 per cent of older people recognise that dancing can benefit their mental health. It also brings joy – 43 per cent of older people say dancing makes them happy and half (50 per cent) of the public say they find joy through dancing. 

Ore Oduba and older people dancing

Former BBC Strictly Come Dancing champion, radio and television presenter Ore Oduba is backing the campaign and has been enjoying dancing with Anchor’s residents. He said:

In the last few years, I've been so lucky to make dance such a big part of my life. Ever since winning Strictly Come Dancing, I cherish every chance I get to bring the joy of dance to other people. I’m excited to take part in Anchor's Move Into Christmas campaign and celebrate the power of dance for all ages.

The thing about dance is that it just makes you feel good, and it can really benefit your physical, mental and social wellbeing. I’ve had great fun dancing with Anchor’s residents and I’m so inspired to see how much they’re enjoying it. Move Into Christmas is a great way to bring people together this holiday season. I can't wait to see everyone's dances on social media using #MoveIntoChristmas!

Move Into Christmas 

Following a challenging 18 months, the activity that the nation is most looking forward to this Christmas is spending more quality time with loved ones. But with 36 per cent of the public worried they’ll be lonely this Christmas, initiatives that encourage bonding are crucial.

Move Into Christmas provides an accessible and inclusive way for the nation to come together and celebrate the holidays through a shared love of dance, while boosting physical, social and mental wellbeing. The campaign was inspired by Anchor’s residents and colleagues, and their love of dancing. 

Older people dancing

An accessible, festive dance routine has been developed by Anchor’s Zest Dance team and anyone can do it at home – either standing up or sitting down. The dance is inspired by the Christmas classic ‘Rocking Around the Christmas Tree’ and aims to bring some much-needed festive joy to the nation.

Everyone can perform and showcase their own festive routine using #MoveIntoChristmas on social media. 

A dance for all ages 

Dancing has a unique way of uniting people, regardless of age. The research found that 64 per cent of the public believe dancing has the power to bring people together, and 61 per cent recognise that it can help different generations bond. 

Ore Oduba and an older person laughing

The power of dance has been realised particularly during the pandemic, with a third (34 per cent) of the public saying dancing helped them feel connected with others. 

Launching at Christmas, when different generations typically spend more time together, the campaign aims to strengthen important intergenerational bonds through dance.

Dancing memories 

Dance can also have a powerful impact on memory, with the research showing that 58 per cent of older people say it can help to spark fond memories. 

This is particularly important for people living with dementia. With its focus on specialist dementia care, Anchor is committed to meaningfully engaging with residents. The Move Into Christmas campaign forms part of Anchor’s focus on reminiscence therapy, which provides people with opportunities to reminisce and bring back memories. Through enjoying a lifelong pastime such as dancing, older people may be able to recall events, sounds and feelings from the past, which can have a transformative effect on their wellbeing. 

Two people dancing

Jane Ashcroft CBE, Chief Executive of Anchor, said:

Across our services, we see the transformative power that fitness activities like dancing have on our residents' wellbeing and sense of fulfilment. It’s through their love of dance that Move Into Christmas was created.

Regardless of previous dancing experience, or any mobility challenges for some in later life, many of our residents across the country are embracing the opportunity to dance. Throughout the festive period and colder months, dancing provides a fun and accessible way to keep up good fitness habits. We’d love everyone to join us and show us their own festive dance routine, using #MoveIntoChristmas.

People smiling

Mary ‘Pat’ Rose, 97, resident at Anchor’s Dawson Lodge care home in Southampton, says: 

I loved dancing when I was young. I started at school, doing all of the folk dances before moving on to Scottish dancing. My favourite dance routine was the Gay Gordons but I used to get so giddy, that I would shoot across the floor at the end! 

I liked to do all the dances but was told I was too stiff, so it is nice to get involved and let myself go during the exercise activities that take place in my care home.

Move Into Christmas will be great fun and a chance to think back to other happy dancing times. I’m excited to be a part of the dance and am really looking forward to seeing other people’s routines!

ORe Oduba

Move Into Christmas

This Christmas, together with BBC Strictly Come Dancing champion, Ore Oduba, we are spreading some festive glitter and celebrating the power of dance to boost wellbeing with our specially created festive dance routine.

Find out more

Read more from Anchor

Former Commonwealth Games athletes join residents for special ceremony
8 Aug 2022

Former Commonwealth Games athletes join residents for special ceremony

Former Commonwealth Games athletes, including Britain’s first Black female Olympian joined residents at Bilton Court care home in Wellingborough to celebrate the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Residents spend sunny afternoon at local riding school
4 Aug 2022

Residents spend sunny afternoon at local riding school

Residents from Linwood care home in Thames Ditton enjoyed a sunny day with a diverse group of horses including Romeo, Taffy, Tandy and Daz.

Birmingham care home hosts special event to kick off Commonwealth Games
3 Aug 2022

Birmingham care home hosts special event to kick off Commonwealth Games

Madeleine House care home in Birmingham welcomed residents and colleagues from other care homes including Kerria Court, Tandy Court, and Maple Dene for some healthy competition on Thursday 28 July.

Millbeck care home gears up for Commonwealth Games
1 Aug 2022

Millbeck care home gears up for Commonwealth Games

Residents at Millbeck care home in Stockton-on-Tees took a spin on Trixie the Trishaw sparking memories for a resident living with dementia.

Care home residents show pro athletes how it’s done with the Anchor Games
29 Jul 2022

Care home residents show pro athletes how it’s done with the Anchor Games

Care home residents and colleagues across England are celebrating the Commonwealth Games by hosting their own inclusive sporting tournament, embracing the benefits of physical activity in later life.

Anchor feed image
29 Jul 2022

Anchor Hanover Group (‘Anchor’) – Publication of Financial Statements

Anchor announces the publication of its annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022.

Anchor feed image
28 Jul 2022

Anchor to acquire Halcyon Care Homes Topco Limited

Anchor has exchanged contracts to further expand its care home portfolio with the acquisition of the entire share capital of Halcyon Care Homes Topco Limited.

Chefs put to the test during Billingsgate Market experience
28 Jul 2022

Chefs put to the test during Billingsgate Market experience

Five chefs from our care homes and retirement schemes came together to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience at the world-famous Billingsgate Market.

Residents at Linwood care home make the most of the sunny weather
27 Jul 2022

Residents at Linwood care home make the most of the sunny weather

Linwood care home in Thames Ditton organised a summer fete for residents and their loved ones earlier in July.

Royal reply – residents receive special letter from Buckingham Palace
26 Jul 2022

Royal reply – residents receive special letter from Buckingham Palace

Residents at The Manor House care home were stunned to receive a reply from the Queen in response to a card they had sent to Buckingham Palace for her Platinum Jubilee.

Colleague wins award for incredible empathy and compassion
25 Jul 2022

Colleague wins award for incredible empathy and compassion

Tiny Cornibert, a Team Leader at Bluegrove House care home in Bermondsey, won an Anchor Colleague Award for her incredible professionalism and empathy for those in her care.  

New initiative brings generations together
22 Jul 2022

New initiative brings generations together

The Manor House care home in Knaresborough has launched a children’s group called Tiny Tots and Teacups to help combat loneliness and foster relationships between children and older people.

Colleague nominated for “Food Blogger of the Year” award
20 Jul 2022

Colleague nominated for “Food Blogger of the Year” award

Shannon Palmer, who works at Springfield care home in Bradford has been nominated for a blogger award

Colleagues celebrate remarkable 120-year work anniversary
15 Jul 2022

Colleagues celebrate remarkable 120-year work anniversary

Four colleagues celebrate the incredible milestone with colleagues and residents.

West Hall unearths time capsule buried 10 years ago
14 Jul 2022

West Hall unearths time capsule buried 10 years ago

West Hall care home in West Byfleet has celebrated its 10th anniversary. The event saw the unsealing of a sentimental time capsule that was buried when West Hall first opened its doors.

Anchor Games extravaganza in The Wirral
13 Jul 2022

Anchor Games extravaganza in The Wirral

Six care homes based in and around The Wirral competed in a multi-sport event. The event is part of our Anchor Games initiative, aiming to bring people together through sport.

Competition heats up in Chef of the Year final
12 Jul 2022

Competition heats up in Chef of the Year final

The four finalists then went head-to-head at Leeds Community College, where they had to prepare their menus in a race against the clock. Find out who came out on top.

Revved up for summer
11 Jul 2022

Revved up for summer

Anchor welcomes guests to a Classic Car Show and street party at Meadow Court.

This website uses cookies which track activity so that you get the best possible experience. By continuing to use this website we will assume you are happy and cookies will be set. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

 

Contact

Call our duty media officer on:

07713 085 004

Media enquiries only

Newsletter

Sign up for our free monthly email newsletter

Award winning

 

View our rating on carehome.co.uk - Top 20 care home group award 2021 Paws Award Laing Buisson Best Residential Care Provider 2020

 

© 2022 Anchor Hanover Group

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy
  • myHR staff portal
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube

Login to Anchor

  • Favourites
  • Existing residents

Looking for a new home with Anchor? Register for a website account to save your favourite properties.

Enter your email address or username.
Enter the password that accompanies your email address.
Register now
Forgotten your password? Click here to reset

Residents can securely access your rental and leaseholder account details through MyAccount.

Access MyAccount

Property Finder

View properties via county

Share this page...

Share via social media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Whats App
  • Facebook messenger
  • Email

Search Anchor

Looking for property contact details? Use our property phonebook