Staying active is essential for everyone, especially for those living with dementia. Regular exercise and meaningful activities can enhance physical health, improve mood and stimulate cognitive function. Simple, enjoyable activities promote well-being and foster connections with loved ones and caregivers.
It’s important to note that different types of movement and exercise are more suitable depending on the stage of dementia and an individual’s physical abilities. Tailoring activities to these needs can significantly improve engagement and enjoyment.
At Country Cousins, we understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with dementia and their families. Our compassionate team is here to provide bespoke dementia care and support, helping you explore the best activities tailored to your loved one’s needs. If you’re looking for dedicated dementia care, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.
Exercise and dementia: the benefits
Engaging in regular exercise can be incredibly beneficial for individuals living with dementia. Not only does it promote physical health, but it also enhances mental well-being.
Here are some key benefits:
- Improved mood: Physical activity can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, often associated with dementia, leading to a brighter outlook.
- Enhanced cognitive function: Regular exercise has been shown to improve memory and cognitive abilities, helping to keep the mind sharp.
- Increased independence: Staying active can support mobility and balance, allowing individuals to maintain their independence for longer.
- Social interaction: Group exercise classes or activities can provide opportunities for socialising, helping to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Better sleep: Physical activity can improve sleep patterns, leading to more restful nights and increased energy during the day.
Incorporating exercise into daily routines can make a meaningful difference for those living with dementia. Whether it’s a gentle walk, dancing to favourite songs or participating in a local class, every little bit helps in fostering a happier, healthier life.
Exercise ideas for people with dementia
Finding the right exercise for individuals with dementia can greatly enhance their quality of life. It’s essential to tailor activities to each person’s abilities and preferences to ensure that they remain engaged and motivated. Gentle movement can help improve strength, coordination and overall well-being while also providing a sense of accomplishment.
Before starting any new exercise routine, it’s a good idea to consult with a GP, especially if you’re considering anything beyond gentle movement. They can provide guidance on suitable activities based on the individual’s health status and any specific concerns.
Gentle movements for people with dementia
Exercise doesn’t need to be vigorous to be beneficial. For those who may find moderate, or intense activities unsuitable, gentle exercises can be just as effective, particularly for people with limited fitness levels or mobility challenges.
These gentle movements can easily be incorporated into daily routines, including:
- Doing household chores
- Bringing in groceries
- Walking the dog
- Pacing while waiting for water to boil
- Performing gentle stretches during TV commercial breaks
- Walking up and down stairs
- Standing up and sitting down slowly at intervals
Love to Move: A dementia-friendly seated gymnastics programme
The “Love to Move” programme, developed by the British Gymnastics Foundation, offers a unique approach to exercise specifically designed for people living with dementia. This seated gymnastics programme focuses on gentle movements that enhance physical ability while promoting social interaction and cognitive engagement. With easy-to-follow routines, “Love to Move” helps participants improve strength, flexibility and coordination while enjoying a supportive and friendly environment.
For more information, you can visit the British Gymnastics Foundation.
Tai Chi/Qigong
Tai Chi and Qigong are gentle forms of Chinese martial arts that involve slow, fluid movements. These practices focus on improving balance, strength and stability, helping to reduce the risk of falls and promoting agility.
Yoga/Pilates
Both yoga and Pilates can enhance balance, stability, strength and flexibility. They also help increase your range of motion, making stretching easier. Various dementia-friendly yoga and Pilates classes are available throughout the UK, with more information available on the Age UK website.
Moderate physical activities for people with dementia
Moderate activities can also be beneficial to people with dementia. Moderate exercise can elevate your heart rate and make you feel warmer while still allowing you to converse comfortably without getting out of breath. Always remember to warm up and stretch before starting any exercise.
Gardening
Gardening is a fantastic way to strengthen muscles and enhance breathing. It offers a meaningful outdoor activity that can spark memories and engage the senses. If bending down is challenging, consider using raised beds or hanging planters. Community gardens and local allotments also provide opportunities for gardening, even if you don’t have your own space. You can tailor the activity level to your comfort, whether it’s light weeding or more vigorous raking.
Swimming
Swimming engages multiple muscle groups and is an excellent cardiovascular workout. Many people find the water soothing, and you can adjust the intensity of your swim based on your fitness level. If you’re new to swimming or haven’t done it in a while, consider going with a friend. Look for dementia-friendly swimming classes that offer a quieter environment and trained staff support.
Walking
Walking is a versatile and accessible activity that builds stamina and improves overall fitness. You can walk anywhere without needing special equipment, though walking aids can be helpful. Walking doesn’t have to be formal; it can include activities like shopping or exploring a museum. For safety, stick to familiar paths, carry a mobile phone and let someone know your plans. Joining a walking group can add a social element, and many people participate in the Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk to support a good cause.
Table Tennis
Table tennis is excellent for maintaining hand-eye coordination and can be a fun way to socialise. You can adapt the game to your ability, playing while seated or standing. Some organisations have modified tables with curved edges and high-contrast colours to make the game more accessible.
Going to the gym
Gyms offer a variety of equipment to help improve overall fitness and muscle strength. Some people prefer the gym for its flexibility, allowing them to work out at their own pace. You can choose from different activities, such as using an exercise bike while seated. Look for gyms that host dementia-friendly open days or have staff available to create tailored exercise programs.
Vigorous exercises suitable for people with dementia
Vigorous or strenuous activities are designed to get your heart rate up and may leave you breathless, making it difficult to say more than a few words at a time. These exercises are best suited for those who are already active. If you’re new to exercise or haven’t been active recently, consult your GP or healthcare provider before trying any of these activities.
Always remember to warm up and stretch before starting any physical activity, whether it’s vigorous or moderate. Many activities can become more intense if you increase your effort.
Riding a bike
Cycling is an excellent way to improve posture, coordination and balance. You have the freedom to choose your speed, distance and route, whether it’s flat terrain or more challenging hills. Numerous cycling clubs exist, including indoor classes specifically designed for individuals with dementia.
Jogging or running
Both jogging and running are effective cardiovascular exercises that can boost your mood and support weight loss. Minimal equipment is required, but it’s essential to wear well-fitting, supportive running shoes. If you’re new to running, start slowly to build your endurance and gradually increase both your distance and pace. The NHS website offers helpful information for beginners.
Dancing
Dancing provides a fun way to stay active while reaping multiple benefits, such as improved strength and flexibility, enhanced stability and reduced stress. It can also keep you socially engaged. You can choose structured dance classes or enjoy more spontaneous movement with props like ribbons or hoops. Many classes accommodate various mobility levels, including seated options. There are also dementia-friendly dance fitness classes, including Zumba Gold, which offers a gentler version of traditional Zumba.
Aerobics classes
Aerobics typically offers a high-intensity cardiovascular workout that enhances coordination. These classes provide a sociable environment for exercise and are often available at gyms, with some facilities offering dementia-friendly options to accommodate different fitness levels.
UK resources for dementia-friendly exercises
Finding suitable exercise programs and activities for individuals with dementia can greatly enhance their physical and emotional well-being. Here are some valuable resources in the UK that offer dementia-friendly exercise options:
The Alzheimer’s Society provides information on various activities and resources, including their Memory Walk events, encouraging physical activity while raising awareness and funds for dementia research.
Age UK offers a variety of resources on exercise and activities tailored for older adults, including information on local classes and community programs that are dementia-friendly.
Swim England provides guidance on swimming activities suitable for people with dementia, including information on dementia-friendly swimming classes available at various pools across the UK.
Dementia Adventure offers breaks in the UK designed specifically for people living with dementia and their families or caregivers. These experiences promote physical activity and connection with nature in a supportive environment.
Dementia UK provides details on holidays in the UK and abroad for people with dementia, ensuring that travel experiences are accessible and enjoyable for those living with the condition.
- Local Community Centres and Leisure Facilities
Many local community centres and leisure facilities offer tailored exercise classes, including gentle yoga, tai chi and aerobics for those with dementia. Check with your local council for more information on what’s available in your area.
Talk to our team today
As one of the UK’s leading dementia home care agencies, our nationwide team of carers is well-versed in supporting people with dementia, allowing them to live an independent life at home.
If you are considering live-in care for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706 should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
