Having dementia doesn't mean you have to stop doing the things you enjoy.
There are all sorts of activities you can do – physical, mental, social and creative – that help you to live well with dementia and improve wellbeing.
If you care for someone who has dementia, a shared activity can make both of you happier and able to enjoy quality time together.
You can continue with the activities you already enjoy, though they may take longer than they used to, or try new activities.
Stay socially active
Keeping in touch with people is good for your confidence and mental wellbeing, like meeting up with friends and family.
You could try activities like:
dance, tai chi, yoga, swimming or joining a walking group to help keep you active and sociable – look out for local dementia-friendly swimming, gym and walking sessions
arts-based activities – drawing and painting classes, drama groups and book clubs can all help you stay involved
reminiscence work – share your life experiences and stories from the past with photos, objects, video and music clips, either as a book or on a tablet or other digital device
meeting other people with dementia and their carers in an informal drop-in setting to share advice, tips and support – find a local memory café (also known as a dementia café), on the Alzheimer's Society website
singing, which is is known to improve mood and wellbeing and is also great fun – find out about Singing for the Brain groups run by the Alzheimer’s Society
The Alzheimer's Society offers support near you and Age UK offers social activities for what's available in your area.
Tablets and smartphones
These digital devices can be very useful for people with dementia.
From online games, puzzles and dedicated dementia apps, to Zoom and YouTube, they provide a way to stay engaged with others and enjoy a range of activities.
Out and about
Many communities and organisations are working to become dementia-friendly.
This means that organisations and venues may have specialist events and activities for people with dementia, such as:
dementia-friendly cinema screenings and streaming of live theatre productions
sensory gardens – a garden or plot designed to provide different sensory experiences, including scented plants, sculptures, textured touch pads and water features
woodland walks
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