Nature, Memory, and Joy: How the Outdoors Uplifts People Living with Dementia

Guest blog by Natalie Parsons, Dementia Friendly Communities Coordinator

We all know that being outdoors promotes health and wellbeing, and this can also be helpful for people living with dementia.

As members of Merton Dementia Action Alliance, Sustainable Merton asked Merton Memory Hub in Mitcham to speak to service users about what being outdoors means to them.

Rita spoke about her love of her garden, especially roses, which are her favourite. Her daughter added that her mother used to be a keen gardener and still enjoys sitting outdoors and taking it all in.

Another regular at the group, Alma, said, ‘I like spending time outdoors – it’s better than being indoors. How do I feel spending time outdoors? It’s glorious! I go to gardens, orchards, allotments.

‘In fact, I was a bit late today because I got involved in gardening – my carer helped with the weeds and I supervised. A robin even came to say hello to me!’

Alma (below, right ) thinks her love of the outdoors may be influenced by her childhood – ‘I was brought up in the countryside. When I was in India, I was almost never indoors. For me, to live is to live outdoors! You should be not only spending your life but living your life!’

She did, however, acknowledge that there can be barriers, noting, ‘Transport is extremely important. As long as I can get transport I will go out, and as long as the place is accessible for my wheeler.’

Photo: Alma and Simon from Bikeworks at the Positive Spin event in Morden Hall Park

With the right support, people with dementia can stay active for longer, and exercise and wellbeing activities can help slow the progress of the dementia. Alma acknowledges she is lucky, as she and her carer have shared interests, and her carer is able to dedicate time to do gardening with her, as well as her family joining her on walks.

When asked about whether it affects her as a person living with dementia, she noted, ‘You forget yourself when in the company of others and nature.’

Find out more about Merton Memory Hub and dementia services in the borough.