Walking is available to all, as long as there are no mobility problems or health conditions to consider that might make it difficult. According to The Ramblers, walking is a particularly good activity for those living with dementia. As well as being an activity that improves mobility and strength, walking has other positive benefits and may help to slow the progression of dementia symptoms, including memory problems.
The benefits of walking include:
Helps to manage weight – which reduces the risk of other illnesses
Improves heart health – and keeps the heart strong
Improves bone strength
Reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes
Reduces the risk of cancer
Boosts mood
Increases strength and flexibility
Gets you and the person you’re caring for outdoors – improving your immune systems
It’s best to ask the person you’re caring for to speak to their GP about walking and whether it’s safe for them to do it – or check with their doctor yourself if they are unable to and you have power of attorney covering health concerns.
Wake up and walk
Exercising outdoors before noon is particularly good as it’s been shown that being in natural daylight earlier in the day is beneficial for those living with dementia. A morning stroll can help the brain to understand the difference between day and night in someone living with dementia, which in turn improves sleep and mood.
Walk with others
Walking and talking with someone else is fun and reduces isolation. Some people living with dementia feel more confident and comfortable walking with others, too.
Walk in nature
Being in a natural environment of any kind is a great thing to do for boosting wellbeing and reducing stress. Even a stroll in a local park early in the day can help support a person’s immune system, boost circulation and improve mood.
Walk well
Sometimes people living with dementia symptoms lose their confidence with walking alone, especially in an unfamiliar area. However, there are some things you can do that will help the person you care for to keep walking:
Build a morning walk into the routine, for example, make it a healthy habit to walk after breakfast, because walking earlier in the day has benefits for those living with dementia.
It’s also advisable to get outdoors sooner rather than later during winter when the opportunities to be in daylight can be limited due to shorter days and poor weather. Plus, it’s safer to walk in the morning during the colder months because visibility is better – falls and trips are more likely in poor or low light.Encourage decent footwear for grip and comfort and invest in waterproof outerwear.
If you’d like to find company for the person you support, Age UK has a dementia befriending scheme where they put you in touch with people in your area who might be available to walk with you. Call 0800 678 1602 to find out more.
Encourage the person you care for to get ready in advance. Do they need a map, water, or snack to take with them or gloves, glasses and hat? Check that they know where their keys, wallet/purse, phone and glasses are well before they leave.
Are they walking somewhere familiar, or do you need to help them to plan the route out using landmarks? Do some research for them and talk them through it, making note of bus numbers and public transport timetables. If driving, check the route and parking situation in advance.
Go online and look up the area you’re walking in if it isn't already known to you. Make a note of potential rest stops and toilets etc. Are the walking paths public and accessible?
You could also consider joining a dementia-friendly walking group – search for one here