A new initiative of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland hopes to improve the lives of those with dementia through sport and reminiscing.
The new ‘Sporting Memories Handbook’ is to help local sports organisations in setting up Sporting Memories groups. The groups will allow people with dementia and their families, supporters and friends to reminisce and talk about bygone sporting days, as well as encourage participation in physical activity.
The booklet, which is supported by the ‘Dementia: Understand Together’ campaign, aims to help improve the health and well-being of people with dementia, as well as older people in general.
There are an estimated 7,509 people living with dementia in Cork and each year more than 11,000 people develop the disease across the country – that’s approximately 30 people every day.
The Sporting Memories groups will bring people together to reminisce about their lives through the medium of sport, using images, video footage, memorabilia, quizzes and guest talks to spark memories and encourage social engagement.
By using sporting cues, the purpose is to stimulate memory, improve communication and social skills, as well as create a sense of camaraderie and belonging. The ultimate objective of the programme is to tackle dementia, depression and loneliness through safe, friendly sessions, led by people with a passion for sport and a desire to help people stay engaged in their communities.
The booklet is a “how-to” guide for the development of Sporting Memories groups, and includes information on dementia, how to set up groups and organise different activities, as well as offering communication tips, ways to create a supportive environment, and details of how to access group resources.
By meeting at the local sports grounds, or visiting a clubhouse, groups can help to conjure up fantastic memories of past experiences and events. Physical activity is also a key part of the programme with light exercises built into each session.
For more information on the Sporting Memories programme, visit www.alzheimer.ie
