Functional and Psychosocial Changes Following a Culturally Adapted Folk Dance Program in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Background: Population ageing requires community-based strategies supporting functional capacity, psychological well-being, and participation among older adults. Objective: To analyze the changes following a community-based motor education program grounded in Chilean folk dances in physical function, psychological well-being, and subjective participation experiences among older adults. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design included a single-group pre–post quantitative phase and a qualitative phase. Physical function was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and single-leg stance tests. Psychological outcomes included the SF-12, life satisfaction, self-efficacy, and perceived social support. The 9-week intervention comprised two 90-min sessions weekly. Sixty-four older adults were recruited: 58 completed pre–post assessments and 17 joined a focus group. Quantitative changes were examined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: Mean age was 72.1 years, and 89.7% were women. Significant improvements were observed in SPPB scores (p = 0.003), dominant single-leg stance (p < 0.001), non-dominant single-leg stance (p < 0.001), SF-12 Mental Component (p < 0.001), self-efficacy (p = 0.010), and perceived social support (p < 0.001). No significant changes were found in TUG, the SF-12 Physical Component, or life satisfaction. Qualitative findings emphasized the instructor’s role, reduced embarrassment and fear of ridicule, and stronger social bonds. Conclusions: Participation was associated with improvements in physical and psychological outcomes, supporting culturally adapted folk dance-based motor education as a feasible strategy for active and healthy ageing.