As we get older it’s important that we look after ourselves so we can live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Whilst exercise is integral to promoting wellbeing, we also need to look after our mental health through activities and positive interaction with others.
In Basildon, ‘Forget Me Not’ Memory Café supports adults aged 55-90 with early-stage dementia by providing stimulating cognitive and light physical activities, to those individuals diagnosed with dementia, as well as their carer’s. The group are always looking to try different activities and through the Find Your Active fund, Active Essex were able to offer members seated yoga sessions and hand massages, to help increase movement and reduce anxiety.
There are many benefits to physical exercise, such as improving cognition. Recent studies have shown that exercise may improve memory and slow down mental decline. It can also provide opportunities for social interaction and reduce the feeling of isolation. There are also benefits of hand massages, as they can help reduce agitation and relieve aches and pains.
The group found out about Active Essex’s funding programme through social media and their partners. As most of their sessions take place seated, they wanted members to participate in something different that also encouraged more movement. Seated yoga enables this as it is a slow, relaxing, and an inclusive activity that anyone can take part in, regardless of ability. Within the older members there were a few issues that involved restricted movements, but this didn’t stop them from enjoying the sessions.
Tracy Godden, CEO of Forget Me Not Café shared; “Some of our members said that they would never have tried seated yoga before these sessions, but since engaging at the memory café, it’s something they’d also like to do outside of the group.”
If you would like to find out more about the memory café and their work, click here:
