FROM JOY TO GENERATIVITY - 2-Year Shift in Hip-Hop Dance Teams Aged 65+ at a National Competition

Sep 29, 2026

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Community-based hip-hop dance teams can support older adults beyond physical activity by shaping later-life motives. This study evaluated two-year within-person change among participants in Japan’s community hip-hop teams. At Year 1 baseline, 79 participants were surveyed, with longitudinal analyses using 62 participants (mean age 75.2) across six municipalities. Teams practiced hip-hop and competed annually at a national competition. Over two years, prosocial orientation increased modestly (Helping Others). Most psychosocial domains showed small, non-significant shifts, while enjoyment declined slightly; qualitative remarks reflected friends, more daily movement, and purpose.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Study design and participants

Measures and outcomes

Findings and implications

1306 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.4352 FROM JOY TO GENERATIVITY: 2-YEAR SHIFT IN HIP-HOP DANCE TEAMS AGED 65+ AT A NATIONAL COMPETITION Atsuko Miyazaki, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan Community-based hip-hop dance teams may do more than keep older adults moving—they may shift motives from enjoyment to contribution in later life. We examined two-year within-person change among older adults engaged in community hip-hop dance teams in Japan. At baseline (Year 1), 79 participants across seven municipalities were surveyed; longitudinal analyses included 62 participants (mean age 75.2±6.1; 96.8% women) from six municipalities with data at both Year 1 and Year 2. All teams practiced hip-hop and competed annually in a national competition. By Year 2, the mean participation duration was 2.73±0.99 years. A 40-item questionnaire spanned seven psychosocial domains (Helping Others, Belongingness, Relationships, Status, Social Identity, Enjoyment, Information) . Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 1307 Change scores (Year 2 minus Year 1) were tested against zero using one-sample t-tests with Cohen’s d and 95% confidence intervals; participation averaged 2.16 sessions/week for 49.35 minutes/session. Prosocial orientation increased modestly: Helping Others Δ =+0.76 (95% CI 0.15–1.37; d≈0.32). Other domains showed small, directionally positive but non-significant changes—Status Δ = +0.63 (−0.29–1.55), Belongingness Δ = +1.47 (−0.40–3.34), Relationships Δ = +0.31 (−0.52–1.14), Information Δ = +0.19 (−0.49–0.87), Social Identity Δ = −0.02 (−1.12–1.08)—while Enjoyment declined slightly, Δ =−0.55 (−1.59–0.49). Participants frequently noted “more friends,” “moving more every day,” and“greater purpose,” echoing the quantitative pattern. Over two years, community hip-hop dance teams were associated with a small yet consistent shift from initial enjoyment toward contribution and connectedness. Although most effects were small and CIs included zero, the Helping Others CI did not, suggesting practicalsalience; implications include peer-mentor roles, structured helping opportunities, and intergenerational sessions.

FAQs

What was the study’s main objective?

To examine how older adults’ motives change over two years when participating in community hip-hop dance teams in Japan, particularly from enjoyment toward contribution and connectedness.

How many participants were included in the longitudinal analysis?

Longitudinal analyses included 62 participants who had data at both Year 1 and Year 2.

Which psychosocial domain showed the most notable increase?

Helping Others increased modestly, with a confidence interval that did not include zero, suggesting practical relevance even though effects were generally small.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by dhado