"The anecdotal information and the limited trials that we've seen clearly suggest that we have something very important here that we have not given full attention to, " says Prohaska.

BBC: Ageing well: Can dance and art keep the mind and body young?

"The healthcare system really needs to pay attention much more than it has in the past to primary prevention among older adults, to improve the health of individuals and help them maintain it, " says Prohaska.

BBC: Ageing well: Can dance and art keep the mind and body young?