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NCHPAD - Building Healthy Inclusive Communities

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Physical Activities


The easiest, safest, and most readily available physical activity for a person with Alzheimer's Disease is walking. It channels a tendency for restlessness and wandering that is characteristic of the disease into a beneficial activity. It can be combined with a purposeful activity, such as walking a dog, pushing a person in a wheelchair, walking to the store to buy a newspaper or groceries, or picking up trash in the neighborhood.

Many shopping malls have organized "mall-walking" programs that offer structure, incentives, T-shirts, and social opportunities, as well as a safe, climate-controlled, stimulating, and traffic-free environment for walking. Such programs are perfect for an accompanied person with dementia.

Friends and neighbors who know about the Alzheimer's diagnosis may be sympathetic and willing to help out, but may not know what to do. Ask several of them to take regular turns as a walking partner. All will benefit. Make sure the person with Alzheimer's Disease is wearing a MedicAlert (MedicAlert.org: 1-800-432-5378) or Safe Return (Alzheimer's Association Safety Services; 1-800-272-3900) ID bracelet or medallion or has other identifying information on his or her person, in case he or she gets lost when out walking alone or gets separated from a walking partner. (Many persons with Alzheimer's Disease can take unaccompanied walks in their immediate neighborhood in the early to early-moderate stages of the disease; however, it is wise to notify neighbors along the route and the nearest police and fire station of the person's diagnosis).

The following are additional physical activities which may be beneficial and enjoyable for people with Alzheimer's disease:

  • Hiking
    Many communities have hiking clubs that sponsor guided walks at various levels of difficulty. Universities have hiking and service clubs whose members may be willing to take a person with Alzheimer's on an individual or group outing.
  • Surrey, Tricycle, or Tandem Bike Riding
    Three people are pedaling a surrey.
    Three people are pedaling a surrey.
    A modern-day surrey is a four-wheeled canopied vehicle powered by two or more people pedaling side by side. Steering and braking are in the control of one person, though both have a wheel to hold onto. These vehicles are often available for rent at beach resort towns. However, large bicycle shops may have them for sale or rent. In Tucson, Bargain Basement Bikes lent one to the University of Arizona's Alzheimer Rehab program, which arranged to store the vehicle at a Tucson Parks and Recreation Department golf cart parking lot and opened the use of it to any community member who is accompanying a person with a disability. The adjacent recreation center keeps the surrey schedule and signs people up.

    Persons long accustomed to riding a bicycle can continue to do so, though it might be safer for him or her to ride on a tandem bike with a partner in front. If balance is a problem, adult tricycles are a stable option that can be enjoyed with a companion on bike trails or quiet streets. One Alzheimer caregiver, Don, regularly jogs on a paved trail around a park while his wife, Louise, who has early-onset Alzheimer's Disease, follows on her bicycle. They recently enjoyed an RV and bicycling trip to New England together.

    Don and Louise also volunteer together at Habitat for Humanity and are awaiting clearance to serve as 'cuddlers' at a local residence for abandoned and abused children. Don took early retirement in order to make the most of the precious time remaining that they can fully enjoy activities together.

  • Dancing
    For couples that already know how to dance, this is an enjoyable activity that can be continued. Many senior centers hold afternoon or early evening dance parties geared to the music tastes and abilities of older persons.

    For couples or individuals that don't know how to dance, certain kinds of dancing (i.e., folk dancing and square dancing) can be enjoyed by a person with dementia, as long as his or her companion can follow the instructions and lead the partner.

  • Boating
    Rowing side-by-side and pedaling a two-person pedal boat are enjoyable activities for persons with access to such facilities. Be sure to wear life jackets and sun block!
  • Gardening
    Persons with dementia who formerly enjoyed gardening will continue to do so, though they may need supervision to stay on task. Raking leaves is an ideal activity for persons who live in a temperate climate. One caregiver regularly bags the leaves her husband rakes and strews them on the lawn again the following day. Using a non-motorized lawnmower is also a good physical activity.
  • Household tasks
    Two people are working on a household task.
    Two people are working on a household task.
    Sweeping, mopping, running a carpet sweeper or vacuum cleaner, washing windows, making beds, and folding laundry are all over-learned tasks that can be continued with proper supervision. One individual with Alzheimer's Disease who was a member of a church quilting group and could no longer sew was kept involved by ironing the squares that were to be pieced by other group members. Many nursing homes and Alzheimer special care units now involve their residents in the maintenance of their living quarters. Such real-life tasks are more meaningful and intrinsically satisfying than busywork and games, which may be viewed as childlike and frivolous by persons used to being productive members of society (Zgola, 1990).

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