Improving the daily lives of seniors or those suffering from Alzheimer’s should be a priority. Fortunately, there is a long list of activities they can do in the summer. Let’s take a look at some simple and easy to organize activities, whether alone, with family or in a group.
Go back places already visited
Visits to places can be beneficial for seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease. In particular, if you direct them to previously visited places to rediscover them. These visits have a good effect on the memory of seniors. For example, family or group visits can be arranged to create a warm atmosphere. The group can be made up of friends or acquaintances of the senior. Such group visits help to maintain good social ties. Some people with Alzheimer’s disease tend to withdraw into themselves. These outings can do them a lot of good. So, take advantage of the good weather offered by summer to organize interesting visits with seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Summer: a good time for art activities
Of course, summer is a great time to engage in art activities with seniors with Alzheimer’s. However, choose an art activity based on preferences and needs. There are a variety of art activities for a senior with Alzheimer’s. Music and singing are excellent ways to develop memory and relax in a healthy way. In addition to music, a writing workshop can be considered.
An activity you can do during cold days or rainy days would be to play with the musical games that are included in our Scarlett program for example.
Or you could try your hand at pottery. Not to mention interesting artistic activities such as painting and drawing. It should be noted that writing and drawing are modes of expression for seniors who have difficulty communicating. Each senior citizen can find an activity adapted to his or her situation.
Travelling in a motorhome
Going on an adventure in a camper van with an Alzheimer’s person may seem like a crazy idea, but it’s totally feasible! Of course, it has to be a structured trip, like with a tour operator, where the days are organized, and you just have to drive to your destination. Obviously, there are a lot of advantages of a trip in a motorhome: discover new horizons, new cultures, share good moments, be free, and all this, without losing your personal comfort.
You can leave to conquer the West without disturbing the daily life of your helper by bringing him his comfort and his essentials, wherever he is in the world. Have you ever dreamed of discovering the Italian lakes in a camper van, the splendid landscapes of Tuscany, seeing Michelangelo’s sumptuous fresco or even throwing your most beautiful coin into the Trevi Fountain? What if this summer became the best of your life?
Getting a move on sunny days
Regular physical activity is crucial in maintaining good health. All the experts agree. Physical activity is good for the memory of seniors with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, researchers in the United States (University of Maryland) have conducted a study on the subject.
The results show: a senior with Alzheimer’s disease who moves regularly has a better memory than one with a sedentary life. Walking is a good ally for seniors with Alzheimer’s. You can favour walking in teams of several individuals. The senior should avoid walking beyond his or her limits to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Gentle gardening
Gardening is one of the recommended activities for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Its positive impact on memory health has been proven by studies. However, it should be done sparingly. There is no question of forcing yourself to do it. You can start watering or pruning flowers. Why not concoct pretty bouquets of flowers as the days go by? Lovely creations to make good memories.
Gardening can become therapy for people with Alzheimer’s disease. A garden is not only for collecting beautiful plants. It can also be used for therapeutic purposes. Gardening therapy, based on scientific evidence, has been proven to be beneficial to individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientific evidence for gardening therapy
Gardening therapy is used by several institutions. Among these are centers that care for people with mental health problems. It is also useful for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Clinics use therapeutic gardens because there is proven scientific evidence.
Take for example a study conducted by researchers on the benefits of household chores or physical activities on the memory of the elderly. It should be noted that this recent study was made possible by the Canadian Geriatric Centre Baycrest. In addition, according to the brilliant scientists Ulrich and Simons, looking at a beautiful plant reduces certain physiological symptoms.
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can therefore rely on gardening therapy. It is sure to contribute to the better maintenance of their brain.
Therapeutic gardens for Alzheimer’s patients
Therapeutic gardens are interesting places for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Gardening has a positive effect on the brain of patients. So, gardening therapy consists of maintaining a garden in order to benefit health and well-being. In the garden, the person with Alzheimer’s disease will be able to water, prune flowers, shovel dirt, etc.
Each person finds an activity to do in the therapeutic garden according to their strength. It is also an opportunity for many people to learn new things. Garden therapy can be done alone or in groups. It is especially important to help the elderly or people of sick age by giving them good assistance.
In practice, it must be said that garden therapy is useful on several levels for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. First of all, this therapy allows the stimulation of the old memory. Garden therapy helps to maintain social relationships, which are more or less close. Finally, it helps to stimulate motor activity.
Garden therapy works!
In a garden, a variety of activities can be done for Alzheimer’s wellness. Gardening in a group prevents people with Alzheimer’s disease from becoming lonely. Gardening keeps the individual from becoming withdrawn. We can say that it favors communication and an opening towards the outside world. A good way to maintain social ties. You can design a therapeutic garden for an Alzheimer patient. However, you can do so with the help of gardening therapy specialists. You will need to locate your therapy garden and make an appropriate selection of plants.
