Social connection and physical activity are great for confidence and mental wellbeing, so don’t assume you have to stop. Here are things that are particularly beneficial for those living with dementia:
Keeping in touch and reaching out
Don’t isolate yourself. Make an effort to see family and connect or reconnect with old friends. 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. You can find a list of activities in your area here
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 some fresh air – all of these things enhance your mood.
Moving your body
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, staying physically active has a huge range of benefits for those living with dementia. These include staying flexible and strong helps with your ability to dress and undress yourself and get in and out of a bath. Being agile improves balance and stability and lessens your chance of having a fall. Building bone strength means that if you were to have a fall, you lower the risk of suffering a break or fracture, which in turn reduces the chances of ending up in hospital.
If you already have an activity you enjoy, keep on doing it. If you’d like to find or try something new, here are some ideas:
Pilates, tai chi or yoga
Swimming
Dancing
Walking
Running
Bowls
Tennis or table tennis
Cycling
Some sports clubs and gyms run special sessions for people living with dementia, for example, dementia-friendly golf and tennis. You can search for an activity near you here and find ideas suggested by others living with dementia here
There are also simple and fun ways to move your body at home, see below for our top five ideas.
Enjoying music
Music, in all its forms, is beneficial to us all. Whether you like listening to it or making it, it’s brilliant for brain health and physical wellbeing. According to Dementia UK music can even help with managing pain.
From helping concentration levels to reducing anxiety and improving speech and language skills, music is especially good for those living with dementia. If you can enjoy music while moving your body, you’ll enjoy increased benefits. Search our What’s On directory to find a local dance or movement group near you.
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