Clubbing can significantly contribute to the happiness and health of middle-aged women, according to a study from the University of Leeds. The research, which surveyed 130 women aged between 40 and 65 about their experiences at electronic dance music (EDM) events, found that 91% reported that clubbing had a positive impact on their well-being. Many participants described their nights out as a form of "therapy," with six in ten stating that they use clubbing as an escape from everyday life. Professor Alinka Greasley, a co-author of the study, noted that the primary motivations for older women attending club nights were the music itself, friendships, and a sense of community. These reasons align with motivations reported by younger age groups. Despite the positive findings, some women reported feeling conspicuous or concerned about their age in clubbing environments. Approximately 7.3% of those surveyed experienced negative comments related to their age, and 21% felt they were too old to be clubbing. "In the survey, women talked about their sense of belonging in EDM spaces, dressing down to avoid attracting attention to themselves, and some concerns around safety," Professor Greasley stated. She added that participants developed strategies to navigate these experiences, balancing any subsequent tiredness with the energizing effects of dancing. Co-author Professor Alice O'Grady highlighted the emergence of day raves and retro nights but emphasized that older individuals seek participation in current music and innovative club culture. "The night-time industry needs to respond to the fact that older people want to participate in mainstream clubbing culture, and not exclude them from these spaces," O'Grady said. The findings were published in the journal Psychology of Music.