The purpose of this study was to design programs for Greek traditional dances in order to physical activity and to investigate the effectiveness and effects on physical and mental health of the elderly. Participated 69 people (61 women), aged over 60, healthy, older people with Mild Cognitive Impaired - MCI, with mild dementia and the intervention placed at Open Care Centers of Elderly at Municipality of Thessaloniki. The intervention period was 24 weeks with a frequency twice a week for one hour. The dances have their roots from all areas of Greece and were classified into three categories: mild, moderate and high intensity. To evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Greek dances, used the questionnaire WHOQOL, a tool that evaluates the quality of life and counted before and after the intervention. It includes 26 questions exploring the physical and mental health, social relationships and environment. The results were statistically significant (p <0,001) in all areas, improved their physical condition, decreased the pains, improved self-esteem, memory and attention, they felt more secure to do more things, socialized, which is a shield protection for dementia, and protecting MCI patients from possible depression, which aggravate the situation of a patient with mental problems.
Traditional dance, recreation activity, quality of life, Elderly, Open Care Centers