Social connection and physical activity are great for confidence and mental wellbeing. Here are some activities that are particularly beneficial:
Being outdoors
Whether it’s gardening, a walk around the park or a stroll to the shops, there are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors and get some fresh air – all of these things enhance your mood.
Moving your body
Staying physically active has a huge range of benefits for us all. Exercise helps us to stay flexible and strong and makes everyday activities much easier. Being agile improves balance and stability and lessens the chance of falls. And building bone strength means that falls are less likely to lead to a broken or fractured bone, which in turn reduces the chances of ending up in hospital.
Here are some ideas to try:
Pilates, tai chi or yoga
Swimming
Dancing
Walking
Running
Bowls
Tennis or table tennis
Cycling
You can search for local activities here and also find some great ideas for getting out and about and staying active shared by others in our dementia discussion forum, here
Enjoying music
Music, in all its forms, is hugely beneficial. Whether you like listening to it or making it, music is brilliant for brain health and physical and mental wellbeing and research shows it can even help with managing pain. Singing is also a hugely positive activity – even more so if you can find a choir or group and sing with others.
If you can enjoy music while moving your body, you’ll also enjoy increased benefits. Find a local dance or movement group or choir near you here.
Keeping in touch
Making an effort to see family and connecting or reconnecting with old friends is rewarding. If you can combine seeing a loved one with a walk, so much the better. If you want to make new friends, try joining a leisure centre, library or sports club.
5 ways to stay active at home
It may not be possible to go out and exercise all the time, so here are five easy ways to exercise from the comfort of your own home
Marching on the spot – try doing it while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil
Dusting and digging – housework and gardening count as exercise!
Seated squatting – from sitting in a chair, stand up slowly. Repeat
Stair climbing – walk carefully up and down stairs a few times
Stretching – do this while you’re watching the TV