Active Aging Week celebrates the idea that aging is not defined by limitations, but by possibilities. For individuals living with dementia, this belief is powerful. Staying active physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually can nurture purpose, independence, and joy long after diagnosis.
Active aging with dementia is not about denying the changes that come with the disease; it is about recognizing and supporting what remains strong: the capacity for connection, creativity, and meaning.
“Beginning exercise at any intensity after diagnosis was associated with at least a 20% lower risk of death,” according to a report in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Staying Engaged: Body, Mind, and Spirit
Even simple activities can promote health and well-being for those living with dementia:
- Movement and exercise: Gentle stretching, chair yoga, or dancing to a favorite song can improve mobility, circulation, and mood.
- Creative expression: Art, music, and baking unlock memories and give individuals a voice when words may be hard to find.
- Social connection: Sharing meals, volunteering, or attending community programs helps maintain belonging and self-worth.
- Spiritual reflection: Faith, nature, and mindfulness can bring comfort and peace, even as memory fades.
“The joy of sharing in a combined rhythm not only promotes movement and creativity but also a sense of community through the universal language of music,” says St. John’s Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor John Eilers-Lloyd on the benefits of group music making.
“Music stimulates, makes you think, makes you move, makes you feel– and that’s what I hope to promote every time I conduct a drum circle in this community.”
The Role of Caregivers in Active Aging
Family and professional caregivers play a vital role in enabling active aging. Encouragement, patience, and adaptive support help individuals participate in meaningful routines. When caregivers provide opportunities for engagement rather than simply completing tasks, they help preserve dignity and identity.
Caregivers should also remember to stay active and connected themselves. Participating in respite programs, caregiver support groups, or learning new care strategies can recharge energy and reduce stress.
During Active Aging Week— and every week — we celebrate the resilience and spirit of those living with dementia and the caregivers who walk beside them. Together, we can redefine what it means to age actively.
More St. John’s Online Dementia Resources:
