Activities and exercise support the physical, mental and emotional health of people with dementia.
A considered and regular exercise routine can support heart health, strength, flexibility, balance, and assist with mood and sleep.
Hobbies and other activities can provide pleasure and feelings of purpose. Expressions like agitation or pacing can be a sign of unmet needs or distress. Understanding causes and designing activities that fulfill needs and alleviate distress, is possible.
Spending time with people who live with dementia can really help. Dementia Australia offers Memory Lane Cafes nationwide. Designed for people with dementia and their families, carers and friends, the cafes provide opportunities for understanding, connection and joy.
Tailored exercise and activity plans will ensure the best possible outcomes. National Dementia Helpline advisers can explain how to do this, make suggestions and provide resources.
Exercise and activities are beneficial throughout our lives. For people living with dementia, activities and exercise are crucial to their physical, mental and emotional health.
Tailoring an exercise and activity plan to a person’s individual needs, abilities and motivations will ensure the best possible outcome:
Physical exercise
People who are physically active throughout their lives, particularly from age 65 on, are less likely to develop dementia.
Exercise helps keep your brain healthy and improves your memory and thinking by:
supporting blood flow and oxygen supply to your brain
stimulating the growth of new brain cells
protecting brain functioning in later life
helping reduce your risk of falls
keeping you social and engaged with other people.
Being active is also good for your heart, sleep and mood, and reduces your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Not everyone has the same abilities, so if you care for a person living with dementia, it’s a good idea to talk to their doctor first. You can find more information and resources on Dementia Australia’s Physical exercise webpage.
Activities
Whether spending time on a hobby or going for a walk or coffee with a friend, activities can help someone with dementia stay socially active, engaged and fit.
Enjoying things that make their life meaningful and pleasurable, like art or nature, religion or spending time with people they care about, keeps their mind busy and helps them stay healthy and positive.
Creating a plan for activities can keep things consistent, especially if multiple people are caring for the person. You can also write down what calms them or distracts them if they seem distressed or agitated. It’s important to consider where a person is in their dementia journey and activities that are appropriate.
Dementia Australia has information and tips about activity planning on itsActivities for people with dementia webpage. If you need help to create an activity plan, or to understand and address expressions of distress, call the National Dementia Helpline for free (1800 100 500). Helpline advisers can provide suggestions and resources. The service is available 24/7, including public holidays.
Learn about spending time with someone with dementia
Spending time with someone who has dementia in person or on a video call, matters a lot. It's about being there for them and providing emotional support.
Dementia Australia has tips and information on its staying connected webpage. Information covers planning a visit, why routine matters and things you can do on a visit.
Where to get help (key organisations with web links and phone numbers):
National Dementia Helpline: Free, confidential, and expert advice about dementia. Available 24/7, every day of the year (1800 100 500). Language interpretation services are available through the Translating Interpreting Service on 131 450.
Dementia Australia Library Guides: A curated list of resources by Dementia Australia Librarians on the topic of dementia and activity.
