Gentle Games for Staying Active With Dementia And Limited Mobility

When mum was diagnosed with dementia, I quickly learned being physically active was really important for her to stay independent. You know the old adage use it or lose it. Over time, things have changed as she has got weaker, so now we use gentle games for staying active with dementia and with her limited mobility.

I discovered that by turning simple movements into fun games that it helped with engagement & participation. I’m sharing some of our favourite activities that can help your loved ones stay active for longer especially with limited movement or concerns over stability /risks of falls etc

The Power of Playful Movement

Some loved ones can resist any physical exercise like my mum, only her physio could get her to do traditional exercises without complaints. So I had to find a way to make it feel less like exercise and more like play.  Some were shared with me on social media, like the balloon badminton, so passing it on to you! These activities will hopefully bring smiles and laughter as well as promoting gentle movements.

These games are most effective when the caregiver is really enthusiastic, becomes a cheerleader, and you put everything across in an adult manner, nobody wants to be babied! 

Why not check out our other activity articles, like this 10 Craft Ideas to Share with Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s.

Favourite Activities to Stay Active with Limited Mobility

1. Balloon Games

We love balloon games because they’re gentle, safe, and incredibly versatile. We have three variations that mum particularly enjoys:

Balloon Badminton/ Tennis: I discovered that paper plates make perfect “rackets” – they’re lightweight and can’t hurt anyone for tennis. You can also buy small plastic rackets from shops, and of course badminton rackets are easy to get hold of and extend the reach for batting balloons away. We play them seated but you could do it standing depending on loved one’s energy level & stability.

Balloon Volleyball: This is perfect for days when mum is less energetic. We gently tap the balloon back and forth, and I’ve noticed it really helps with her hand-eye coordination. We still do this as mum can just push the balloon away from her. 

Cloud Catching: This came from her birthday, when I bought a dozen helium balloons and tied ribbons on the end, and mum kept trying to reach out for them. Now I do it with music, and add little shapes to the end of each ribbon with messages of love or little sweetie gifts, as we pretend to reach into the clouds for these nuggets of love.

2. Garden-Themed Activities

You can do it outside using a side table or bring the garden indoors, if you’re loved one can’t get out.  I fill up plastic garden trays with earth and a cup and the seeds on the side (you can use whatever vessels you have). 

Your loved ones with dementia can use these trays of earth to fill small pots and with them, adding the seeds, patting down the earth and using the lightest watering can to water the newly planted flower/fruit seeds.

It’s great, messy, tactile and fun and you can use it as an opportunity to reminisce about any old gardening successes or failures. You get the benefits of light arm movements, fresh air if your outdoors and if inside the gift of nature in your own home. If you pick indoor plants, your loved ones can watch them grow as they tend for them at home.

3. Musical Movement Activities

Popping Bubbles: This is lovely. The simple joy of popping bubbles is such fun and it can be done seated or standing. We use a wand but you can use whatever you have to create bubbles, just be ready for everything getting wet and sticky!  

Put on some music, have a laugh especially if one lands on your face or nose before you can catch & pop it! As your loved one reaches, stretches, and moves to pop them with different body parts it becomes a gentle form of exercise full of movement. The activity can be easily adapted for various mobility levels, from gentle hand movements to full arm reaches and even careful standing movements for those who are able.

The combination of music, movement, and the simple pleasure of popping bubbles often brings out smiles and laughter, making it a particularly effective activity for those days when motivation for movement might be low. 

Pass the Parcel:  This is a gentle seated game that works well when you have visitors, especially when they’re not sure what to say or do. I always have a small wrapped parcel at home.  It is just a simple game of passing the parcel as we did as kids to music until it stops. 

Instead of rushing to hand it off, we want to keep it for a long as possible as we know that there is a great gift inside, usually a small bar of chocolate or treat that mum loves in our case. 

When the music stops, the person holding the ball gets the enjoyable task of “unwrapping a layer” creating excitement and anticipation that you’re the one who has the last layer! This simple yet engaging activity naturally encourages movement, finger coordination and keeps the atmosphere light and playful for loved ones.

Rhythmical Dancing: Put on your favourite tracks and find a colourful scarf to wave to the beat of the music, or you can use props like shakers, tambourines or drums made from empty boxes/water bottles/cans to tap the rhythm of the music.  Using familiar, upbeat music helps your loved one move at their own comfort level – whether it’s simple toe-tapping, gentle hand swaying with scarves, or soft bell shaking in time with the beat. Whatever is enjoyable and fun, and if high tempo music isn’t a thing then try gentler classical music. 

4. Carnival-Style Games

Bean Bag Toss: This simple activity became one of our daily favourites. We used soft bean bags and created targets at various distances.  You can do it either seated or standing, and we make it fun by creating silly target zones with different point values. You can create target zones by cutting out holes in card boxes not being used, making them larger or smaller and position it closer or further way depending on your loved one’s ability. Or you can just toss the bean bags to each other, using different hands, crossing directions etc, as this video shows.

You can also use balls to toss into baskets, cups or whatever objects you have at home that can be used, just something gentle, light and easy to throw.

Indoor Bowling: I set up plastic water bottles (you can half fill them to keep them stable) or keep them empty for those with less strength to make it easy to knock the “water bottle” bowling pins over with a tennis ball or softer option is using a soft stress ball.

Tips I’ve Learned Along the Way

1. Follow Their Lead: Some days mum has more energy than others. I’ve learned to be flexible and adjust activities accordingly.
2. Keep It Simple: The simpler the activity, the more likely we are to do it regularly.
3. Celebrate Small Wins: Every balloon tap, every target hit is worth joyful celebration
4. Make It Social: Including family members, especially grandchildren, adds an extra dimension of enjoyment.

Safety Considerations

• Always ensure proper seating and support
• Keep pathways clear
• Have water readily available
• Watch for signs of fatigue
• Stay within comfortable movement ranges
• Keep movements controlled and gentle

Final Thoughts

Remember, the goal is about creating moments of connection, maintaining mobility, and finding joy in movement together. These simple activities have helped mum with her mobility, small things that meant that she was able to reach for things, use her core, and keep her finger dexterity. Things have changed now for us but these simple, low mobility games can help you keep active. There are of course more traditional forms of exercises, yoga, chair exercises, tai chi, that are also helpful that you can explore but these games gave us precious moments of laughter and bonding that I’ll always treasure.

When your loved one is having fun, they’re more likely to participate and stay engaged. Start with one or two activities that resonate with their interests, and gradually build your collection of movement games. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to comment, like and subscribe if you haven’t already! Adieu!