Working out can boost the well-being of older adults with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s. There are many benefits that come with organizing exercise activities for dementia patients including the decrease of fall risks, improving sleep patterns, and enhancing body strength. All of these advantages do help to reduce and manage symptoms such as disrupted sleep, sundowning, and agitation. To support them to lead an active lifestyle, it is imperative to explore exercises that are enjoyable yet safe to be conducted regularly.
Dancing
If you are someone who enjoys grooving to music, dancing is a fun way to exercise. It can help you to gain strength, be more flexible, and relieve stress. Dance genres can range from tea dances to group sessions with props like ribbons, balls, or balloons. It is a great way to get involved in the community too as couple or group sessions often involve interacting with other individuals.
Gardening
You’d be amazed to learn that gardening is a fantastic pastime and a wonderful physical activity for keeping your body in shape. It allows individuals to spend time outside in the sun, and it may also be incredibly calming. The intensity and length of the activity can be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual. It could be as simple as weeding or trimming, or as difficult as raking or mowing grass. These activities may help to strengthen the body’s muscles and enhance respiration. It would also be advisable to have someone else on standby to provide further assistance if needed.
Swimming
Swimming is a beneficial sport for those with dementia when done under guidance. The feeling of being in the water is comforting and calming to many individuals. According to some studies, swimming may help enhance balance and lower the risk of falls in older persons.
Walking
Walking is one of the easiest physical activities that you can partake in. It is free, does not require any particular equipment, and can be done anywhere. One way this can be implemented in your daily tasks is by combining it with an errand such as buying groceries or walking the dog. Walking also helps dementia patients get rid of their desire to wander. Some local recreation centers organize group walks of varying lengths, so it can also be a perfect activity for socializing too.
Staying Physically Active
For those in the early stages of dementia, it is strongly advised that they continue to participate in physical activities whenever feasible since there is no problem if they enjoy what they are doing. If you or your loved one are looking for a space to get physically active, many local communities and sports centers frequently offer a variety of organized activities and events. Some examples of these physical activities include ball games, indoor bowls, swimming, and even tai chi. Most of the time, you can pay for the sessions out of your pocket or through direct payment from your local government. If you prefer to be more frugal with your spending, some of these activities can be adapted to a home setting such as walking, cleaning, and gardening.
