Leaps to longevity

Although Eggleston's work in the Superior Court kept her off the dance floor for years, at 62 years old, she's reprised her passion for dancing and is now involved with several local dance associations and centers, including the Moose Lodge, which is bustling with senior dancers ready to hustle or ballroom dance on any given night of the week.

"It's good therapy," Eggleston said. "I put so much effort into work, and now that I'm not working, it's so nice to get back to this."

Like Eggleston, Burbank resident Bill Wiechmann can be found dancing at the Moose Lodge frequently. Once part of the Megglin Kiddies, a dance troupe that produced such talents as Shirley Temple and Judy Garland, Wiechmann has been coming to dance at the lodge for 10 years.

"It's refreshing and relaxing," he said. "I enjoy the company and the friendship."

Glendale resident Darlene Paige, 72, who has been involved with the lodge since 1957 and now bartends there, considers it her home and its members her family.

She has reaped the health benefits of dancing and staying active.

"I have rheumatoid arthritis, and the more I dance, the better I feel," she said. "There's nothing more beautiful and more romantic than dancing, even if you're not with the one you love."

Donna Heselbarth, 66, another dancer at the Moose Lodge, said the pain she had in her back due to arthritis has disappeared since she began dancing.

Arthritis isn't the only ailment that exercise like dancing can help alleviate, according to Dr. Mike Neskovic, who specializes in geriatrics and has been practicing in Glendale for 22 years.

Dancing helps blood circulation and lymphatic circulation, which is important to immunity as well as overall health, he said.

"People who dance are usually the happiest and healthiest," he said, adding that seniors should start dancing slowly and progress from there.

And for those who might be hesitant to get on the dance floor, Wiechmann advises them to not be afraid.

"Someone once said to me that if I made a mistake, I'm the only one who knew it," he said. "Keep moving, nobody knows."