Alzheimer’s Society and Sport England have joined forces to call on the sport and physical activity sector to commit to becoming dementia friendly and reduce the barriers that prevent many people affected by dementia from taking part in sport and physical activity. The appeal was issued as the Alzheimer’s Society launched its first dementia-friendly sport and physical activity guide at the Kia Oval cricket ground in London on 12 February.
The guide has been developed in partnership with input from across the sports sector and people living with dementia, with National Lottery funding from Sport England. It is designed to help the sport and physical activity sector to support - and empower - people who are living with dementia to lead active lives and remain independent for as long as possible.
The practical guide aims to inform and educate individuals and organisations so they have a better knowledge of dementia and how it affects people. It also provides tools and guidance so that the sector can help more people affected by dementia enjoy the benefits of staying active in a caring and understanding environment. And by becoming dementia-friendly, leisure centres, sports clubs and gyms can reap the benefits of improved customer experiences and increased revenue. Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“Dementia can devastate lives and it is vital that people with dementia are enabled and empowered to live the life they want in their community.
“Visiting a gym, sports centre or favourite leisure facility to take part in physical activity can be daunting for people with dementia, loved ones and friends – but with support and adjustments from sport and physical activity providers, they will remain active.
“We need the whole sector to unite against dementia by committing to the actions outlined in the guide and make employees Dementia Friends, so no one has to face dementia alone.”
For more information visit: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-friendly-communities/organisations/dementia-friendly-sports