You might think that those with dementia are unable to participate in exercise programs. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth! Those living with dementia who engage in holistic exercises (exercises that work on both physical and mental fitness) have shown significant improvements in their quality of life and psychological health.
Dementia and Exercise
Dementia can be detrimental to physical and psychological health, but a holistic exercise routine can help these patients in numerous ways. Small stretches of meditation and Tai Chi combined with cognitive activities such as yoga have been shown to improve physical well-being for dementia sufferers. Above all, people with Alzheimer’s benefit from soft repetitive exercises.
The benefits of holistic exercise can have a profound effect on the physical and psychological wellbeing of dementia patients, as it fosters participation in physical activities that are meaningful to each individual.
Avanti Senior Living’s Wellness Program
To best accommodate the diverse needs of all residents, Avanti Senior Living developed the Mind • Body • Strength™ wellness program. This program is holistic by integrating physical movements with activities that take emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual well being into consideration.
Residents who engaged with Avanti’s holistic exercise program reported enjoying the sessions, eagerly looking forward to them, and feeling like they helped their wellbeing in both physical and psychological aspects. Residents also felt that it provided benefits on a social level, allowed for some pain relief, and even yielded feelings of empowerment.
Those living with dementia who engage in holistic exercises (exercises that work on both physical and mental fitness) have shown significant improvements in their quality of life and psychological health.
Those living with dementia who engage in holistic exercises (exercises that work on both physical and mental fitness) have shown significant improvements in their quality of life and psychological health.Residents suffering from dementia proved to enjoy and improve after using exercises that focus on the mind and body, too. Attention levels improved with each session, as participants anticipated the next movement in a song or routine.
Avanti’s wellness program not only benefits dementia patients, but it also has positive effects on the other residents such as reduction in pain. Given the complexity of chronic pain, this finding is important for healthcare organizations to consider when designing a holistic exercise program.
Final Thought
Dementia is a debilitating condition, but Avanti’s Mind • Body • Strength™ holistic exercise program offers some
relief. Residents experienced positive benefits in the area of physical and mental health after participation in this
social lifestyle activity.
