Helping People with Dementia Stay Physically Active

ACTIVITIES FOR ANY DAY – 6 HEALTHY TIPS to help you stay active with Alzheimer’s, along with physical activities to do.

Caregivers can help people with dementia
be more active and stay safe:

1. Be realistic about how much activity can be done at one
   time. Several 10-minute "mini-workouts" may be best.
2. Help get the activity started or join in to make the
   activity more fun.
3. Find time in the morning for exercise.
4. Break exercises into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
5. Choose comfortable clothes that are suitable for the
   weather and appropriate shoes that fit well.
6. Make sure both you and the person with dementia
   drink plenty of water when exercising.

Some physical activities to try:

• Take a walk together.
• Do simple tasks around the house, such as sweeping
  and raking.
• Work in the garden.
• Play music and dance.
• Exercise with videos made for older people. Try the
  sample workout on NIA’s free Go4Life DVD.
• Throw a soft rubber exercise ball back and forth.
• Lift weights or household items such as soup cans.
• Use resistance bands, which you can buy in sporting
  goods stores. Be sure to follow the instructions.

Quick Tip

Try being active together.
Physical activity and
exercise are good for
caregivers, too!

Visit:

www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life

• Read more tips for
  adding physical activity
  to your day.
• Print useful tools.
• Order a free exercise DVD.
• Share your exercise story.

Go4Life:
Everyday Fitness Ideas from the National Institute on Aging at NIH
Helping People with Dementia Disease Stay Physically Active