For people living with dementia, the summer months can be a wonderful opportunity to engage in activities that not only enhance their physical health but also improve their cognitive function and mood. Engaging in meaningful and enjoyable activities is important for those with dementia, as it helps stimulate the mind, promotes social connection and provides a sense of accomplishment.
This guide outlines seven summer activities for people living with dementia, helping them stay active, connected and engaged. By focusing on sensory stimulation, social interaction and relaxation, these summer activities can make a real difference in enhancing the well-being of people living with dementia.
Engaging summer activities for individuals living with dementia
Here are seven enjoyable and accessible summer activities to support people living with dementia:
1. Nature walks in a calm environment
Taking a walk in nature can be a calming and therapeutic activity for people living with dementia. The fresh air, natural light and peaceful surroundings provide a sensory experience that can improve mood and reduce stress. Choose a safe, quiet area such as a park, garden or nature reserve, where the environment is less likely to cause confusion or overstimulation.
Nature walks provide an opportunity for individuals with dementia to engage with the world around them, helping to stimulate memory and promote physical movement. It’s a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the benefits of outdoor activity. Ensure the pace of the walk is comfortable and take breaks when needed. Use sensory prompts, like listening to birds singing or feeling the textures of leaves, to make the walk more engaging.
Safety is key, so always keep a close eye on the person and avoid areas with heavy foot traffic or potential hazards.
2. Gardening or potting plants
Gardening can be a wonderfully therapeutic activity for people living with dementia, offering both physical benefits and a sense of accomplishment. The simple act of caring for plants helps engage the mind and offers opportunities for sensory stimulation. Whether it’s tending to flowers, herbs or vegetables, gardening can provide a sense of purpose and relaxation.
A peaceful garden setting also allows individuals to interact with nature while promoting gentle physical activity. Potting plants or sowing seeds are easy tasks that can be done at any pace. Gardening also encourages the use of fine motor skills and provides sensory experiences through different textures, smells and colours. For those with dementia, this sensory engagement can evoke memories and provide joy.
If outdoor space is limited, consider smaller, indoor gardening activities such as potting plants in containers or growing herbs in windowsills. These activities can still provide the same benefits in a safe and controlled environment. Always ensure that the tools used are safe and manageable and encourage participation without rushing.
3. Water-based activities
Water-based activities are ideal for people living with dementia, offering low-impact exercise that can help improve mobility and promote relaxation. Swimming or even gentle water aerobics can be especially beneficial for physical health, as the buoyancy of water reduces strain on joints and muscles.
The calming effect of water can also help to soothe anxiety and improve mood. For those who are less mobile, simply dipping toes in the water or sitting by a pool can provide sensory enjoyment and help stimulate the senses. Water activities also encourage social interaction, especially when done with family or carers.
For those interested in swimming, it’s worth looking into local dementia-friendly swims and swimming lessons. These sessions are specifically designed to support people living with dementia, providing a safe and welcoming environment for exercise and socialising.
4. Outdoor music and dancing
Outdoor music events and dancing in the fresh air can be a delightful way for people living with dementia to engage with both nature and music. There are various outdoor venues in and around London that offer dementia-friendly experiences, such as music concerts or dance performances in tranquil settings. These outings can have a positive impact on mood and cognitive function by sparking familiar memories and encouraging relaxation.
For example, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew often hosts outdoor concerts in a beautiful garden setting, providing a sensory-rich experience with the added benefit of nature. The Southbank Centre also regularly holds outdoor performances and community events, including live music, which can be enjoyed in a peaceful, inclusive environment.
For a more active experience, consider visiting places like Hampstead Heath, where gentle, music-based dance sessions can be enjoyed in the open air. Simple movement to the beat of music while surrounded by nature encourages physical engagement, enhances balance and boosts mood.
5. Arts and crafts projects
One of the best summer activities for people living with dementia is outdoor arts and crafts projects. They are a fantastic way for people living with dementia to express themselves while enjoying the beauty of nature. These activities encourage fine motor skills and provide opportunities for sensory engagement with different textures and colours found in the environment.
In and around London, there are several parks and gardens that offer outdoor art workshops designed for people with dementia, such as those provided at The Garden Museum or Hampstead Heath. These locations host dementia-friendly art events where participants can enjoy creating art in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Another idea is to take a sketchbook or painting supplies to a nearby park or garden like Hyde Park or Kew Gardens. Drawing or painting the surrounding nature — whether it’s flowers, trees or wildlife — offers not only a creative outlet but also a peaceful way to engage with the environment. It’s also a great activity for a social outing, as it allows caregivers and loved ones to join in and enjoy the process together.
6. Sensory stimulation activities
Engaging the senses through outdoor activities can be especially beneficial for people living with dementia. Simple activities like feeling different textures, smelling flowers or listening to the sounds of nature can provide a calming experience and stimulate memories.
London is home to several dementia-friendly sensory gardens that offer an ideal environment for these activities. For example, The Sensory Garden at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a peaceful, interactive space where visitors can touch, smell and hear a variety of plants and materials.
You can also take a sensory walk in parks such as Richmond Park, where the sights and sounds of nature, from birdsong to rustling leaves, provide rich sensory experiences. Collecting objects like smooth stones, leaves or flowers can also create a hands-on way to engage with the natural world.
7. Social activities and group outings
Social interactions are key to promoting emotional well-being and reducing feelings of isolation for people living with dementia. Group outings or social activities in outdoor settings can provide opportunities for meaningful connections, shared experiences and enjoyment. Engaging with others in relaxed environments helps boost self-esteem and reduces anxiety.
In and around London, there are numerous dementia-friendly venues that host social events and other summer activities for people living with dementia. You can also explore local cafés, markets and gardens that host group tours or special events designed to be dementia-friendly, such as Spitalfields Market or Covent Garden.
A visit to Greenwich Park or Regent’s Park for a leisurely stroll with a group of friends or family can provide both social engagement and physical exercise. These parks offer peaceful settings, and many outdoor activities are designed with accessibility in mind, making them ideal for group outings.
Talk to our team today
If you or a loved one are considering live-in dementia care to support your summer activities, speak with one of our friendly team today. Our experts can guide you on how live-in care can help ensure your loved one remains active, safe and engaged throughout the season.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
