Stay active
How to find dementia-accessible exercise options
Some people have found it difficult to find exercise classes or activities which are available to people with dementia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear how much people value these sorts of activities, especially when they stopped.
On this page we give you some pointers for how to find options near you by discussing:
- keywords
- where to look
- real-life examples
We used to go to table-tennis club every week, which was as much a social gathering as it was exercise.
We used to go for a tea dance on a Friday. That was nice as well. It was like a party every Friday.
If activities had started again, that would have helped.
People affected by dementia talking to our researchers about activities they enjoyed before COVID-19 restrictions
Keywords
While ‘dementia’ is an obvious keyword when looking for a dementia-accessible exercise class, it is not the only word you can try.
- accessible – this more generic term may bring up unexpected options which you might otherwise miss (such as the ‘accessible cycling’ example below)
- inclusive – for the same reasons as ‘accessible’
- brain health – sometimes exercise is advertised using this phrase
- dementia-friendly – though perhaps not dementia specific, this word would assure you that the activity has thought about how to adapt for people living with dementia
Remember, too, that there may be sports or types of exercise you have never heard of! Have you come across boccia? It’s a target ball sport played from a seated position. What about cage cricket? Or walking football? Perhaps knowing what is available elsewhere will help you campaign for provision nearer to you.
Where to look
Dementia Friends (run by Alzheimer’s Society) is a national initiative to change perceptions of dementia and get people and organisations involved in being dementia friendly. Their website is a good place to go to for advice about your local dementia friendly community. You can find a list of what may be available near you.
Click here to find your nearest Dementia Friendly Community.
Age UK have a local directory you can search online to find exercise classes near you. This is great if you want to get more active but don’t know where to start.
Care Choices currently have comprehensive guides for four areas in the UK: Hampshire, Leicestershire, Norfolk and Northamptonshire. These downloadable guides have local information about where to get help with things from transport to holiday and respite cover, as well as activity listings.
While not everywhere has a handy dementia guide, many local authorities have directories of care and support services, activities and information linked from council websites.
Local leisure centres and community centres are also worth checking to see what’s available.
Real-life examples
Dementia Adventure run various events for people affected by dementia. They run supported and group holidays. However, if you live in Essex, you could book to join them on a supported day out for a walk in the great outdoors.
Click here to visit the Dementia Adventure Supported Days Out page.
Cycling is a great way to get about, to socialise and to stay active. There are now modified bicycles make cycling accessible to many more people. There are lots of places offering ‘accessible cycling’ and some offer adapted bicycles. One place offering this is Pedall in the New Forest.
Cage cricket is an accessible version of cricket with a portable set of equipment so it can be played in different venues. Dementia Friendly Hampshire has been running Cage Cricket sessions.
If you want to set up your own dementia-friendly physical activities, Alzheimer’s Society provide a downloadable guide for individuals and organisations. It highlights how they can better support people affected by dementia to participate in their local community activities.
Click here to download the Dementia-friendly sport and physical activity guide.
If you are unable to get out, you can still stay active. Visit our Exercise at home page for suggestions and options.
How could we improve this page? Visit the Contact us page to let us know.
How to find dementia-accessible exercise options
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