Last Updated: December 6, 2024
Beth Britton shares ideas for keeping engagement and enjoyment in life after a diagnosis of dementia
Most of us would probably say we like to keep busy, have things we enjoy doing in our spare time and wouldn’t ever want to give up our passions. Yet when someone is diagnosed with dementia, meaningful activities or mentally stimulating interests, indeed even joy and fun, can often be pushed to the bottom of the priority list, resulting in poor quality of life.
The saying ‘use it or lose it’ is pertinent because we know that keeping active genuinely helps a person’s cognition, with many advocates who are living with dementia crediting their active and busy lives with their ability to keep the progression of their dementia in check. So what activities should you try when you’re living with dementia, and as dementia progresses how can hobbies and interests still be enjoyed?
Photo by Vlad Sargu on Unsplash
What activities are best when you’re living with dementia?
The short answer here is any activity the person with dementia enjoys. There aren’t any specific ‘dementia activities’, so be guided by the person’s preferences. It could be anything from reading, writing, art, music (listening to music or singing/playing an instrument) baking, gardening, dancing, walking, photography, sports (watching or playing), birdwatching, bike riding, puzzling, yoga, crafts – the list is really endless.
If you’re unsure of where to start, my advice would be to make a top 10 list – fully involving the person – detailing all the things they most enjoy doing (think back over the years if you’re stuck for more recent inspiration), with a column alongside that list to note any difficulties the person is having in beginning or continuing what they want to do and ideas to combat those problems.
The two most important criteria are:
- The person is genuinely engaged with whatever the activity is (so avoid imposing activities onto someone if they don’t want to do them).
- Any frustration the person may feel at trying to do an activity is minimised. If a person can’t do the whole of an activity, those supporting them (be they family members, friends or professionals) should work side-by-side with the person, rather than taking over.
Do have a look at NAPA’s (National Activity Providers Association) Dementia and Engagement resource for inspiration – it’s packed full of tips and ideas to help a person with dementia enjoy a range of activities.
Photo by Centre for Ageing Better on Unsplash
Is physical activity important?
Exercise is really important both for physical and mental health. One of the easiest activities for a person with dementia who is mobile is simply going for a walk in a green space (their garden, a local park etc). It has the dual benefit of being both exercise and time in nature, which is proven to be especially beneficial for mental health. It also fits with two of the Five Ways to Wellbeing – Keep Active and Take Notice – which are proven to help support good mental health.
Be inspired to exercise by ‘Slow Puncture’ – A book all about keen cyclist Peter Berry’s life with dementia, try Walking Sports or check out the exercise ideas from the Alzheimer’s Society.
It’s worth bearing in mind that exercise, and indeed other forms of activity whether it’s mentally or physically stimulating, forms part of rehabilitation, which is becoming increasingly popular after a diagnosis of dementia. Do have a look at ‘My Life, My Goals’ and ‘From Dementia to Rementia’ by Jackie Pool for more information.
What activities do peers with dementia recommend?
I asked leading dementia advocate, Gail Gregory, whose X account is regularly updated with her beautiful art, crafts and nature photos, what activities work best for her:
“I take trips outdoors where there is wildlife and birds. The calmness of nature can is so therapeutic. Crafting with others can be a great way to interact, bringing conversions and laughter too.”
You can see a film featuring Gail and her husband – and including some of Gail’s creative exploits – here:
To find out more about how other people with dementia are keeping active, you might want to take a look at:
- Dementia Diaries – Activities
- DEEP Groups
- Dementia Adventure
- Dementia Creatives
- Thrive – Gardening and dementia
What can I do if my loved one with dementia can’t do a hobby or activity in the way they used to?
Many activities can be adapted to help someone continue to do them – for example a different walking or cycling route, raised beds for gardening to avoid too much bending down, larger print books or audiobooks (you can even get Cognitive Books) or a modern point-and-shoot camera to continue with photography.
You may find a person needs modified equipment, perhaps to help with dexterity issues – for example easier to hold gardening tools, larger knitting needles, easy-grip baking utensils or paint brushes. If a person is struggling with sensory issues, like sight problems, consider what the RNIB offer. There are so many innovative products on the market now to help people with various disabilities or health conditions like arthritis. Try to think creatively and search the internet to find products or ideas that can combat any difficulties the person is having – it’s likely that someone has had the same problems in the past and may well have shared solutions to help. You may even find the solution from people living with dementia via Dementia Tip Share.
As the person’s dementia progresses, it’s possible that their interest in doing more demanding activities decreases. Consider introducing slower-paced creative activities or things that provide sensory stimulation to maintain engagement and enjoyment in a way that is supportive for the person.
Photo by Dario Valenzuela on Unsplash
What about getting out and about?
Social activities are great for everyone, and that doesn’t change when you have dementia. ‘Connect’ is another of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, so if a person with dementia enjoys socialising, attending sporting events, going to the theatre or seeing films in their local cinema do support and encourage them to continue doing that for their mental wellbeing and the numerous other benefits.
With more community services becoming aware of what people with dementia need, you may find that places the person has enjoyed going to (like clubs, sports venues etc) remain welcoming. If they don’t offer dementia specific events, consider if anything designed for autistic people would be supportive as these may be less overwhelming for the senses.
The Memory Clinic that diagnosed the person may have a list of local groups/activities that are specifically provided for people with dementia, and you may also want to explore what is offered by the following charities:
- Alzheimer’s Society Activity Groups
- Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Cafes
- Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain
- Age UK Dementia Support (Including Groups, Classes and Events)
- Dementia UK – Support Groups and services for people with young onset dementia
- Alzheimer Scotland – Community activities
- The National Trust in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society
- Arts for Dementia
- Sporting Memories
Conclusion
Life doesn’t stop when dementia begins. Most people live with their dementia for many years, and in all the conversations I’ve had with people living with dementia, keeping active and engaged is their number one piece of advice. So, no matter what a person’s passions are (embrace the diverse or daring too!), try to find a way to keep those interests alive, and try a few new things along the way too.
