We all know that connecting with nature is good for the soul — in fact, getting outside in nature can be just what is needed to recharge and detach from the everyday hustle and bustle. And it’s no different for people living with dementia — spending time outside is a great way to stimulate and engage a person physically, psychologically, and emotionally.
5 Summertime Activities
These are some activities that can be enjoyed outside in nature by a person living with dementia. (Note that appropriate accommodations may be necessary depending on any physical or cognitive limitations already present.)
Exercise: There are hundreds of online videos demonstrating how to exercise, even with restrictions. Chair yoga has become very popular. An example of one of these can be found here. The summertime is the perfect time to try some form of outdoor exercise.
- Walking
- Swimming
- Restorative yoga
- Tai chi
- Qigong
- Garden games
Nature Excursions: Most people (especially those living in temperate climates) love to take a car ride or go on a walk to take in the beauty surrounding them. If feasible, going on a nature walk is a great way to get some physical activity while also using the other senses to observe and absorb the sounds, scents, and textures of the environment. For example, leaf-peeping (foliage viewing or photography) is a popular activity to do in late summer/early autumn when the leaves on trees begin to change. You can even make it into a stimulating sensory activity for a person with dementia by talking about the idiosyncrasies of colours and textures on the trees that they see.
Gardening: If the person or the care facility has a garden or an allotment, it can be a great collaborative exercise to plant flowers, water the plants, harvest fruits and vegetables, or even fill a birdfeeder together. If the garden has yielded produce, it is a wonderful activity to wash the fruits and vegetables together and then try a taste.
- Make it into a fun game, have the person with dementia close their eyes, provide a small taste of a piece of fruit or vegetable, and see if they can guess what it is! (Make sure to be careful when providing food that needs to be swallowed by making it into small and easily chewable bites.)
Outdoor Relaxation: Just sitting on a porch, deck or patio could be enough for looking around, watching the sunset, or just listening to the sounds of the wind or rain. Have a chat with some company or sip some lemonade or iced tea. If going outdoors is not feasible, looking through a window can be just as enjoyable by pointing out the colours outside and/or identifying animals that may pass by.
Animal Viewing & Appreciation: Going birdwatching to spot birds can be another relaxing activity for a person with dementia. Bring a Bird Guide along with you and try to identify the birds you see! Or, if you or the person living with dementia is more action-oriented, you can visit a nearby zoo or animal sanctuary. If a more passive activity is appropriate, you can just sit outside, noticing the sounds of the animals or watching them fly or flit by.
Maintain hydration during exercise: No matter what you do, it is very important for people living with dementia not to get too exhausted, overheated, or dehydrated. Many symptoms of dementia and other memory loss conditions can lead to forgetfulness when it comes to remembering to drink enough water. In addition, side effects from the medications used to treat these conditions can cause excessive thirst or dry mouth. Either way, it is important to remind or prompt everyone to drink often.
- One great way to help people with dementia keep hydrated is Pattinson’s Jelly Drops - we love what this company has done by creating a sugar-free, vegan ‘sweet’ that is actually 95% water and makes hydrating more fun!
More ways to Stay Active
You can view Relish’s digital catalogue of engaging and enriching products for people living with dementia, here. If you sign up to the Relish newsletter, you will gain access to our library of great movement activities, and many more! Check out all our activity themes below.
Click here for more information and tips from people living with dementia on how to Stay Active.
