Ladies, Clubbing is Good for You!
- Alastair Hunt
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 30 minutes ago
A new UK study asked a simple but surprisingly under-researched question:
Why do older women keep going clubbing, and what do they get out of it?
Researchers from the UK's University of Leeds surveyed 136 women aged 40 to 65 who regularly attend Electronic Dance Music (EDM) events - think techno, house, and drum and bass nights, as well as festivals and raves. Most had been going for over 20 years. The study wanted to understand their motivations, how they navigate the experience as older women, and what keeps them coming back.
As ever, please talk to your doctor or medical practitioner most familiar with your medical history before implementing any changes in diet, exercise or lifestyle, especially if you are under treatment. Links to all studies / resources at bottom of page.
What the research found
The overwhelming driver was the music itself, over half ranked it as their primary reason for attending. But the qualitative responses revealed something richer: it was the combination of music, movement, community, and escape that made participation meaningful.
The wellbeing benefits were striking. Nearly all participants (91%) said clubbing contributed positively to their wellbeing. Dancing was described as a form of stress management, a mental health reset, and a source of physical energy. Several women reported that during COVID lockdowns, when they lost access to clubs, they experienced depression, lethargy, and a loss of identity.
Social connection was another major theme. More than 80% said they had formed long-lasting friendships through clubbing, and many maintained cross-generational friendships they valued deeply.
The challenges
Participation wasn't without friction. Some women reported navigating ageist or sexist comments on the dancefloor. Others wrestled with their own internalised doubts about whether it was still "appropriate" for them to be there. Clothing choices became a source of tension - balancing self-expression against anxiety about being seen as "mutton dressed as lamb."
Safety was also a concern: 44% reported having been groped without consent at club events, though most felt safer in underground or alternative venues than in mainstream clubs.
To manage these pressures, women developed deliberate strategies: choosing events carefully, attending with trusted friends, moderating their substance use, and scheduling recovery time.
What This Means for Us
This research adds meaningful weight to something many active older women already know intuitively: dancing in a community setting is genuinely good for mental and physical health. The benefits - stress relief, social connection, a sense of identity and escape - don't expire with age. If anything, they become more important.
The takeaway isn't limited to clubbers; it's a broader reminder that rhythmic movement, social engagement, and spaces that allow self-expression are powerful tools for healthy ageing at any stage of life.
Stay Healthy,
Alastair
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Greasley et al., "Age is just a number: Persistent participation in Electronic Dance Music by women over 40 years," 2025. No PMID available at time of publication.
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