This activity can be a warm-up as part of a wider session or used on its own. It uses props to stimulate and enhance physical movement and seasonal feedback, develop reflexes, and bring in enjoyment and fun.
Credit: Dr Rosaria Gracia, developed in partnership with Know Dementia.
A fun, dementia-friendly activity that is good fun to play in small groups. It is a lovely way to get people warmed up and can be a good icebreaker to start a longer activity or workshop.
Credit: CASPAE / Ana Campos and Joana Nunes.
This activity is a fun icebreaker or warm-up exercise. The activity should be energetic, even if your group is seated, and there should be a sense of fun, enjoyment and exploration with plenty of laughter.
Credit: Royal Exchange Theatre Elders Company /Bill and Estelle.
Written in association with NAPA, the SCIE website has a dedicated page aimed at encouraging participation in the arts for people living in care homes.
Packed full of information about a wide range of arts activities including creative writing, visual arts, dance, using puppets, sculpture, music, pottery, digital arts, gardening and everyday creativity.
Publication, compiling 50 accessible arts activities, for use in any setting with older people. See online copy.
Spin Turn Creative Movement Youtube page developed by Elaine Kordys, supports older people and people with a dementia diagnosis to have access to and involvement in creativity.
Green Candle is one of the UK’s leading dance companies working with older people.
Find out about training opportunities including Moving Into Maturity, a two day training course for people working with older people and people living with dementia.
Vamos Theatre is the UK’s leading full mask theatre company.
Read More
BUPA study into the health and well-being benefits of dance for older people.
Evaluation of the benefit of drama, music and dancing in
improving the wellbeing of older people in
care homes.
Courtyard Hereford Creative Ageing Toolkit for creative dance in residential care settings. Includes: guidelines for leading group dance sessions; ideas for seated exercises and resource suggestions.
Watch a film about cARTrefu, a project by Age Cymru to improve access to quality arts experiences for older people in residential care.
The cARTrefu Activity Pack provides creative ideas for care home staff and residents.
