Physical Activity Ideas

Physical activity is so important to our overall health and well-being however this can become challenging for many different reasons throughout our live. There may be different reason why a person with dementia finds it challenging to engage in physical activity. Being physically active is important for a healthy lifestyle and improves quality of life. Some benefits from physical activity are:
Improves heart health

• Maintains strong muscle and joints
• Supports a good night sleep
• Enhances mood
• Stimulates the mind

This page has been divided into the following 3 sections 

• At home activity games that promote physical engagement
• At Home Exercises Web-links and Downloads 
• Local and National active groups  

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At Home Activity Games 

Badminton

• Badminton is a nice activity that you can do while sitting down or standing
• This badminton set is from Activities to Share and is lightweight
• See how long you can keep the shuttlecock in the air without it falling to the ground
• For those with slower reaction times, why not replace the shuttlecock with a balloon?
• This can be played indoors or outdoors
• This badminton set is from Activities to Share please click link here to view the product but these are widely available in local and online sports shops

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Golf Practice

• Golf targets and practice kits are a great way to stay engaged in the sport
• The golf target helps to focus and helps you practice your aim and control your speed
• While working your upper body through swing
• There are many types available and possible to get in golf sports shops and amazon
• The images here are of the Golf Chipping Net and the Hazard Putting Mat both available from Activities to Share websites please click on the link here  ​

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Golf Target

• Golf Target is an activity designed for people with dementia which can be played individually or in groups
  
• This game encourages engagement and physical activity
  
• Bags are lightweight and easy to throw, even for people with dexterity and mobility difficulties
• How It Works Spread the target mats out on the floor and take it in turns to throw the bags as close to the hole as you can
  
• This is available from Active Minds here

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Table Tennis

• Table Tennis is a fun activity that challenges speed, agility and focus 
• It's a great indoor physical activity to have on rainy days
• These are widely available in games and sports stores depending on the quality and sizes 
• This can be purchased at Activities to Share here 

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Skittles 

• Players of all ages can practise their bowling skills with these pretty wooden skittles.
  
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, these will prove to be a real winner. 
  
• Playing skittles can help you focus and improve both hand/eye coordination
• This skittles set is from Activities to Share, please view here but you will find simialar ones in local and online game stores

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​At Home Exercises

Seated Exercises

• This Seated Exercise booklet has simple exercises to do while sitting that can help flexibility and movement.
• Chairobics is a seated activity that works on upper and lower body movement.
• The Getting Active for Better Health booklet supports you with: 
  • A guide to help you identify your current level of activity 
  • Gives step by step exercises with images to show you 
  • Provides a sample activity plan for a week to help you set goals 
• Please download here

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Siel Bleu

• Siel Bleu is a social enterprise that delivers exercise programmes 
  
• They provide group and online programmes for older adults 
  
• Siel Bleu have a You Tube channel with guided workouts follow the link here to their You Tube channel
  
• You can also get home exercise guide on their website by clicking on the links below each video. This guide is clear with simple instructions and photos of the exercise to help you follow please view here

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Local and National Active Groups

Get Ireland Walking 

• Get Ireland Walking is a national initiative that aims to maximise the number of people participating in walking - for health, wellbeing and fitness - throughout Ireland. ​
  
• Their website has links to local walking groups and collaborative programmes with Men's Shed and Woodlands for Health
  
• Please visit Get Ireland Walking here
  
  

Healthy Ireland

• Healthy Ireland is a government led initiative aimed at improving the health and well-being of everyone in Ireland
• Their website has detailed information on ways to improve and stay healthy including advice on physical activity 
• Please view their website here 

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Go for Life

• Go for Life is the national programme for sport and physical activity for older people (aged over 50 years).
  
• The programme aims to encourage older people in all aspects of sport and physical activity. It is run by Age and Opportunity 
• Their website gives information and has a range of links to local Go for Life groups
  
• Please view the Age and Opportunity website here 
  

Household Activities

Apps and Websites

Games and Puzzles

Sensory Activity

Arts and Crafts

Physical Activity

Reminiscence

Further Information