Exercise is incredibly important for all of us, no matter how old or young we are. It provides mental and physical benefits that extend well beyond the initial calorie burn. For those with dementia, it can be a significant factor in improving their overall quality of life as well as their health and mental abilities.
“Physical exercise creates all sorts of wonderful opportunities for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia,” says Addie Ricci, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk, a memory care assisted living community providing Alzheimer’s care in Norwalk, CT. “It provides socialization opportunities, boosts physical health, improves and maintains the person’s self-esteem and reduces unwanted behaviors.”
Other benefits, says Addie, include: improving heart and blood vessel health; reducing the risks of certain forms of cancer; lowering the risk of effects of type 2 diabetes; improving physical fitness by strengthening muscles and joints; improving the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs); improving sleep patterns; reducing the risk of falls; and improving confidence – among others.
Addie cautions that any exercise undertaken should be suitable for the individual’s physical stamina as well as their abilities. “As with anyone, some people with dementia may have exercised a lot in the past while others have been fairly sedentary,” Addie says. “It’s a good idea to speak with a neuromedical professional about what activities will be most beneficial as well as what is considered safe for the person’s health, physical abilities and mental state.”
Good Exercise Options for People with Dementia
Any exercise routine should be something that is enjoyable for the person to do. The good news is that people don’t have to go to the gym and sweat on a treadmill for hours on end to get a good physical workout. Many enjoyable activities like dancing, walking or gardening can be exercise and are a great way to stimulate the mind, brain and body. Here are a few examples of exercise options for people with dementia, but keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list – anything that gets your loved one moving and their blood pumping is a great option.
Gardening. Gardening is a beloved activity for many people. It’s excellent for individuals with dementia because of how many physical and mental aspects it involves. Digging in the ground and pulling weeds build strength and muscle mass, resistance and stamina. Squatting down and standing up improves balance and flexibility. And, of course, any sort of physical exertion is aerobic and burns calories. Depending on your loved one’s physical abilities, they may be able to do more strenuous exercises like raking leaves or pruning trees, or they may be more suited to planting seedlings and light weeding. Gardening is also a great social activity since it’s something that can be done individually and in tandem with other people.
Indoor fitness games. Gaming systems like the Nintendo Wii are very popular at memory care communities because of the interactive and competitive nature of the games. By using the remote controller, residents pair gentle physical movement with the engagement and excitement of video gaming. Besides video games, there are many other indoor activities that those with memory impairment can participate in, like indoor tennis (with balloons), indoor bowling and others.
Dancing. Dancing is a wonderful activity that doesn’t involve any sort of special equipment – all you need is some music and a little space to move. Dancing is a great social activity, whether you’re dancing with a partner or dancing together in a group. This type of activity can be structured or impromptu and can be done just about anywhere. This form of exercise also pairs the benefits of music, which has proven to be very effective for those with memory loss.
Swimming. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for seniors and individuals with dementia, thanks to water’s natural buoyancy that helps support balance and build muscles seemingly effortlessly. Many senior communities have group aquatic exercises, which are fun and social ways to get in shape and enjoy time with others.
Yoga. Over the past several decades, yoga has become an incredibly popular form of fitness due to its adaptability and its exceptional mind/body benefits. Besides helping build muesli, stamina, strength and balance, yoga is a stress reducer that helps reduce anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that individuals with dementia who do yoga enjoy reduced unwanted behaviors, a happier state of mind, better physical fitness and lower stress than others.
Walking. Walking is perhaps one of the simplest, easiest and most rewarding forms of exercise. Even just a little walk around the block can boost mental health, improve circulation and metabolism, improve sleep patterns and reduce stress. Going outside to take a walk with others pairs socialization with the additional benefits of being out in nature – you’ll get conversation, vitamin D, sunshine and fresh air, all in one fell swoop.
Expert, Life-Enriching Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community promotes a wellness-focused lifestyle that emphasizes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized, ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a positive impact on the lives of our residents.
Inspiring Programs for All Stages
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk’s services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide personalized attention and programming for residents in every stage of memory loss.
Purposeful Community Design
Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues and aromatherapy create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel at home.
Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.
Contact us today to learn more.