People with dementia often enjoy the freedom of walking either as part of a planned day out with friends and family or by themselves.
Walking in a safe environment provides physical and psychological benefits for people with dementia and can be a pleasant way of continuing a habit and remaining independent.
The benefits of walking
The benefits of walking for someone with the condition in Hampshire and Isle of Wight are the same as the benefits for anybody:
- it can help to maintain mobility
- improves circulation and prevents muscle wastage
- it can aid relaxation and reduce anxiety, stress and depression.
Regular exercise can reduce the risk of dementia
Of all the lifestyle changes that have been studied, taking regular exercise appears to be one of the best things we can do to reduce the risk of getting dementia.
Several studies looking at the effect of aerobic exercise in middle aged or older adults have reported improvements in thinking and memory, and reduced rates of dementia.
Trek26 events
Throughout the summer months Alzheimer’s Society is hosting eight Trek26 events across some of the UK’s most breath- taking locations such as the Lake District, Brecon Beacons and the South Devon Coast.
Each trek offers 13 and 26 mile routes though the countryside plus a city option for those who would like to explore Trek26 London- the opening event on 3 June 2023. The other Trek26 events are being held in the Peak District, Cotswolds, Stonehenge and the North York Moors.
‘Bus- it- back’
Sam Davis from Hampshire is taking on Trek26 Stonehenge in memory of her nan, Pat, who died in January, aged 82, after living with dementia for several years. Pat, born in Stretford used to take Sam and her sister on summer walks around Manchester when she was a child and insisted “we’ll bus it back”.
‘Bus- it- back’ has become the name of the family’s Trek26 team which includes her mum, Janet, and sister, Stef.
Wearing colourful ballet pumps, Pat and her grandchildren would set off from their flat in Stretford and walk to Urmston, on to the Trafford Centre or down the canal towpath to Sale. Pat would get the bus and walk around Bolton, Ashton, Altrincham, the city centre and Salford Quays.
Nan believed walking was essential to her wellbeing
Sam said,
“Nan loved to walk, even after her diagnosis. It was a part of her identity and she maintained a pride in it until the end believing walking was essential to her wellbeing – it was her exercise, her way to meet people and see the world. It wasn’t really about the destination; it was the walk itself: ‘I walk all over’ she used to say proudly.
“If Nan woke up in a bad mood, was getting restless, frustrated or worried about something, she’d say ‘I just like to get up and out and them I’m all right’. Even when she was elderly and frail, and her walk was a very short distance and supported by my Grandad, Billy, she would still say how much she loved to get out.
“If she hadn’t got out and had a walk, she would be less content and calm.”
Unlocking stories we’d never heard before
She added,
“Walking with Nan was a special bonding experience for us as her Grandchildren.
“It would unlock stories we’d never heard before, prompted by seeing my Dad’s old school or the library my great-nan used to visit, or a corgi that reminded her of the one she’d had before my Dad was born.”
Mehta: Walking brings huge benefits to health and wellbeing
Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach Lavina Mehta MBE is passionate about raising awareness and the benefits of exercise.
“Dementia is close to my heart after seeing my Nani struggling with Alzheimer’s disease for the last decade of her life. She inspired me to take part in Alzheimer’s Society’s Trek26 in London in 2021. It was such a great experience and I would encourage others to sign up.
“I want to break down the barriers to exercise and open it up to people of all ages. There are huge benefits to health and wellbeing. Many people with dementia will have enjoyed taking part in regular exercise while some people may have exercised very little. It’s important people are supported to exercise safely, if they wish.
“Anyone who hasn’t taken part in regular exercise for some time, or with certain health conditions, should seek medical advice before embarking on any new activity.”
Sign up today
Trek26 is a vital fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society and a fantastic opportunity to visit and enjoy beautiful walking locations in England and Wales.
Joining this year’s Trek26 are several celebrity supporters including comedian and actor Hugh Dennis and broadcaster Sian Lloyd.
Sign up today or find out more at Alzheimers.org.uk/trek26.
If you are affected by dementia, call Alzheimer’s Society’s support line: 0333 150 3456 for help and advice or visit alzheimers.org.uk
News shared by Gemma on behalf of Alzheimer’s Society. Ed
