Physical activity is vital for maintaining the health and wellbeing of individuals living with dementia, yet finding the right activities can be challenging for caregivers. Regular movement not only increases physical strength but can also reduce anxiety, enhance sleep patterns, and boost overall mood. Here are several practical ways you can support a senior loved one with dementia in staying active and engaged safely.
Focus on Enjoyment and Past Interests
The most effective exercise is the one that actually happens, and participation is far more likely if the activity is enjoyable. Think about what your loved one enjoyed doing before the diagnosis. Did your parent love gardening, dancing, or hiking? While your loved one may not be able to participate at the same intensity, you can often modify these hobbies to suit his or her current abilities.
For example, a former avid hiker might enjoy a gentle walk on a flat paved nature trail. Someone who loved to dance will likely still respond positively to music and rhythmic movement. By anchoring physical activity in positive memories, you reduce resistance and make the experience pleasant rather than a chore.
Consider these modified activities based on past interests:
- For the gardener – Weeding raised flower beds, watering plants with a lightweight can, or sweeping the patio
- For the homemaker – Folding laundry, dusting low surfaces, or setting the table (which also provides a sense of purpose)
- For the social butterfly – Attending group exercise classes specifically designed for seniors, such as seated yoga or tai chi
Dementia is one of the many serious health conditions seniors are susceptible to. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of Anchorage elder care. Families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the progress of dementia.
Establish a Predictable Routine
Structure is incredibly comforting for individuals with dementia. Creating a consistent schedule for physical activity can reduce confusion and agitation. When exercise becomes a predictable part of the day, it relies less on conscious decision-making and more on habit and muscle memory.
Try to schedule active periods for the time of day when your loved one is most alert and energetic. For many, this is the morning, but others may experience a burst of energy in the afternoon. Once you find a time that works, stick to it. If a morning walk happens every day after breakfast, it eventually becomes a natural transition rather than a new event that needs to be negotiated daily.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving Anchorage live-in care. Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Incorporate Music and Rhythm
Music is one of the few things that penetrates through the fog of dementia, accessing parts of the brain that often remain intact even as the disease progresses. Pairing movement with music can turn a workout into a fun social activity.
Play songs from your loved one’s youth or favorite albums to encourage spontaneous movement. You don’t need a formal dance floor. Simply swaying to the beat while seated or standing can provide excellent cardiovascular benefits and balance training. Rhythm can also help with gait and coordination during walks.
Benefits of adding music include:
- Mood elevation – Familiar tunes can reduce stress and spark joy.
- Increased coordination – The rhythm acts as an auditory cue for movement.
- Social connection – Dancing or moving together strengthens the bond between you and your loved one.
Break Activity into Manageable Chunks
Expecting someone with dementia to sustain 30 minutes of continuous exercise might be unrealistic and overwhelming. Instead, aim for “exercise snacking”—breaking physical activity into smaller manageable segments throughout the day.
Three separate 10-minute sessions are just as beneficial as one 30-minute session and are often much easier to manage cognitively and physically. This approach prevents fatigue and can keep your loved one from becoming frustrated. You might try a short walk in the morning, some seated stretching before lunch, and a bit of dancing or gardening in the afternoon.
Prioritize Safety and Environment
As cognitive abilities decline, spatial awareness and balance can be compromised. To help your loved one stay active, you must ensure his or her environment is safe and conducive to movement. Remove loose rugs, ensure pathways are well lit, and check that footwear is sturdy and nonslip.
When walking outdoors, stick to familiar routes to prevent disorientation. If the weather is poor, consider indoor alternatives like walking laps in a shopping mall or using a stationary hallway. Always ensure your loved one stays hydrated, as older adults—especially those with dementia—may not recognize thirst signals during exertion.
For dementia care Anchorage families can count on, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers use revolutionary memory care programs to help seniors delay the progression of dementia, and they can also assist with a wide variety of important everyday tasks, including bathing, grooming, exercise, and cooking. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (907) 770-0907 to schedule a free consultation.