Keeping Active

Keeping active is beneficial to everyone. As you get older, you will adjust the amount, frequency and level of exercise depending on your personal circumstances, but don't think because you are getting older, and have Dementia, that keeping active is beyond your capabilities. It is proven for people with Dementia that regular physical exercise does not only keep you physically fit, but also helps slow down the progression of the Dementia. In addition to regular physical exercise, you should also try to stimulate your mind by doing mental excercises. These might include puzzles, word games, or it could be something that you do in your job, such as taking money and giving back the correct change. Anything that makes you think, and requires you to work something out in your head will be of benefit, so try to find something you enjoy.

The following paragraphs will give you some ideas on what you could do, but ultimately the choice is up to you. You should discuss this with your carer, family member, or support worker to ensure that you get the best from the exercises you are doing, and that they are matched to your current physical and mental abilities. Additional guidance can be found in the paragraph at the bottom of this page.

Physical Activities

Walking

Walking can be great exercise. Make sure you know where you are going, and you can comfortable walk the distance of your planned route. Your walk could be local, or a planned trip to the beach or countryside.

Stretching / Tai Chi

Simple stretching and gentle strengthening exercises are the ideal way to start your day. If you enjoy this, why not try Tai Chi? Many community centres and support groups have weekly Tai Chi sessions.

Swimming

Swimming is again great exercise, and can be performed at all levels of ability, with a small or large group. If you are receiving a pension, many public swimming baths offer a reduced or free admission.

Crown Green Bowls

Bowls is a great way to get some gentle exercise and enjoy the fresh air. It can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages. It is easy to learn and there are many clubs where you can try it out for yourself.

Gardening

If you have a garden, or access to an allotment, then gardening is another great way to enjoy some exercise in the fresh air. In the summer months, it is the ideal way to spend the afternoon, and after you have finished, you will have a lovely garden to sit in and get your breath back.

Mental Activities

Crosswords

Crosswords are a great way to practice reading, writing and understanding words. Regular use of language will maintain your literary skills.

Reading

Reading is another excellent way to keep your language skills in practice. Novels come in all shapes and sizes covering every level of reading ability giving you plenty of options to choose from.

Suduko

Suduko is a popular numbers game. It will help with number recognition, calculation and logic.

Interactive Games / Quizzes

In this day and age, technology is everywhere. Electronic games such as the Nintendo DS are very popular and offer a huge range of games, puzzles and activities to keep you mentally active.

Jigsaw Puzzles

Everybody likes jigsaws. They are extremely good for keeping your brain active. Shape, colour, and picture recognition are all used when putting a jigsaw back together, and there are countless varieties to choose from in many different sizes. There are even services available where you can put your own pictures on the jigsaw, so that every time you complete the jigsaw, it will reinforce the memories of the original event.

Further Information

There may also be a community support group, or health service in your area that may be able to help. If you live in the Liverpool area, you can access the Liverpool Health Trainers Service who provide one-to-one help, support, and advice from a qualified health trainer. The Liverpool Health Trainers website can be found by clicking here. If you are outside the Liverpool area, please search for 'health trainers' on Google, or check the 'Health' links in the Services section of this website.