Τhe “Ageless Games” are a new and dynamic initiative created by Alzheimer Athens to promote active participation and improve the quality of life of people living with dementia who attend its day care centres. The Games took place on 7 May 2026, at the indoor basketball court of the Athens Municipality Organization for Culture, Sports and Youth in Mets. The venue was provided free of charge by the Municipality of Athens, contributing significantly to the success of the event.
The main goal of the Games was to encourage active ageing, entertainment, and social inclusion through team activities that support both physical and mental well-being. The event promoted values such as cooperation, solidarity, respect, and fair play, creating an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement.
Participants included people with dementia from the association’s day care centres, who took part in specially-designed athletic and cognitive activities adapted to their abilities and needs. Activities included simplified basketball, target exercises, coordination games, memory activities, bowling, golf-croquet, darts, agility ladder exercises, puzzles, goal shooting, and dual-task exercises using cones. Participants also engaged in fun games through “Eligence”, a specialised digital platform designed to promote cognitive training through targeted neuroscientific, psychological, and healthcare-backed activities.
Preparation for the Games was supported by specialised healthcare professionals of Alzheimer Athens, mainly fitness trainers and physiotherapists, who designed personalised exercise programmes for each participant. The event also highlighted the importance of exercise, balanced nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle for overall well-being. In total, 200 people participated in the Ageless Games, making the event not only a sports competition, but also a celebration of life, inclusion, and joy.
