This can apply to all older people:
Benefits of keeping active and maintaining everyday skillsKeeping occupied and stimulated can improve quality of life for the person with dementia, as well as for those around them. Activities can act as an opportunity for fun and playfulness. They can also encourage independence, social inclusion, communication or expression of feelings.
Benefits to the person with dementia- Activities can bring enjoyment and pleasure.
- By remaining involved and active, a person with dementia can maintain their skills and independence for longer.
- Activities can help people to express how they are feeling and relieve the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Activities can increase social interaction and reduce isolation.
- Sharing an activity with others may promote shared interests, increased interactions and understanding.
- An activity may help a person feel important and valued because it relates to past roles and experiences, such as raising children or helping around the home.
- Shared activity can promote a sense of belonging.
- Leading a physically active lifestyle can have a significant impact on wellbeing.Exerciseis beneficial for physical and mental health and can improve the quality of life for people at all stages of dementia.
Benefits to carers, family and friends- Taking part in activities with a person with dementia can help maintain a good relationship.
- Activities can offer a break from the everyday caring routine.
- Shared activities can provide mutual enjoyment and companionship, which can support the relationship between the person with dementia and their carer.
- Activities can encourage closeness between a person with dementia and people around them and improve feelings of comfort and security.
- Engaging a person with dementia in meaningful activities may improve behaviour that challenges.
