The golden years don’t necessarily have to be associated with slowing down. There are plenty activities that senior citizens can participate in to keep fit and have fun.

This week, a local organization dedicated to the elderly will promote active living with its annual dance. The Cayuga County Office for the Aging will hold its third annual Active Aging Week Dance at Emerson Park Sunday.

The event is free with a food donation, and it is open to anyone 50 and older. It one of many like it across the country that are part of an awareness week meant to show off the physical and emotional benefits of staying active through exercise, volunteer work, games and participation in social events.

Janet Taylor, aging services specialist for the Office for the Aging, said last week that the members of the baby boomer era are just getting to a point where exercise can be a way to prevent possible disabilities down the road. And for people who are a little older, it can help with conditions like arthritis.

The main message of Active Aging Week is that 30 minutes of exercise a day can change the aging process. More than 64 organizations in 29 states and three Canadian provinces participate every year.

That’s where the dance comes in, she said. It offers a chance for people to have some fun and get moving.

“We’re always looking for events to promote good health and social activities,” Taylor said. “This is part of our mission, to promote good exercise.”

The office has held the annual dance since 2007. This year, Ted Mosley and Moondance will provide music from a variety of styles and eras, and free refreshments will be served.

The great thing about dancing, Taylor said, is it combines a physical element with a social one. People make connections on and off the dance floor, she said.

“You can just come and listen to the music and enjoy the company,” Taylor said. “A lot of people just like to sit and enjoy the music.”

Marilynn Arkerson has seen for years the positive effects dancing has on people of all ages. A dance instructor from Waterloo, Arkerson holds dance lessons at 6:30 p.m. Mondays at SS. Peter and John Church on 169 Genesee St. in Auburn.

She instructs in ballroom, swing, Latin and other styles, and in the majority of instances, people walk away from the lessons feeling good, she said.

“You talk about stress relief and the exercise — and plus, it is so much fun,” Arkerson said.

There is something about the connection made while dancing that breaks down barriers between people of different ages and backgrounds, Arkerson said.

This is especially true, she said, due to the fact that many styles of dances use steps and moves that have remained the same for generations.

“You have this thing in common (when dancing with someone), and it has nothing do to with age,” Arkerson said. “There is no age limit when it comes to dancing.”

Taylor said that is one of the reasons the dance has continued since the first year. It’s a fun event for people who want to cut a rug, or just sit, chat and watch, she said.

“It’s just a chance to get out,” she said.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net

If you go

What: Active Aging Week Dance

When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27

Where: Emerson Park Pavilion, Route 38A, Owasco

Cost: Free for anyone 50 and older who brings a food donation

Info: Call 253-1226