The Best Nature-Based Activities for People with Dementia

Fresh air and natural surroundings are good for the soul. And for people with dementia, it’s even more important to take part in activities that improve wellbeing to live a good quality of life.

Explore our favourite nature-based activities for people with dementia.

Why is nature good for people with dementia?

A 2020 study on the impact of green space engagement on the experiences of living with dementia in the community said the benefits of nature-based activities for people with dementia centred on four key areas:

• Engaging in meaningful activities
• Empowerment
• Positive risk taking
• Reinforcing identity. 

A 2016 study revealed people with dementia were most motivated to take part in nature-based activities with a purpose that incorporated social interactions.

The best nature-based activities for people with dementia at home or in care settings

1. Gardening

Gardening has a clear purpose and combines sensory engagement with a sense of accomplishment. Try watering plants, planting seeds, or weeding.

• Tips: Use raised garden beds for easy access and choose low-maintenance plants like lavender or sunflowers for their scent and beauty.
• Benefits: Stimulates the senses, encourages gentle movement, provides routine and purpose.

2. Birdwatching

Birdwatching is a peaceful and low-effort activity you can do practically anywhere.

• Tips: Provide binoculars and a dementia-friendly book to identify birds. Hang a bird feeder outside the home if travel is a challenge.
• Benefits: Support focus, mindfulness, relaxation, and connection with nature.

3. Walking in nature

Gentle strolls allow people to stay physically and socially active while enjoying the natural world.

• Tips: Opt for flat, accessible paths and provide plenty of rest stops. Walk in a small group for safety and social interaction.
• Benefits: Encourages movement, improves circulation, enhances mood.

4. Picnics in the park

Picnics encourage people with dementia to get outside and socialise with friends, family, and carers.

• Tips: Choose a shaded, quiet spot with comfortable seating or bring camping chairs, and pick familiar foods.
• Benefits: Encourages socialisation, enhances appetite, provides a mood-boosting outdoor experience.

5. Nature-themed arts and crafts

Collecting leaves, twigs, or pebbles to create simple art projects can be a wonderful way to incorporate nature into daily life in a creative way. 

• Tips: Focus on simple activities like leaf rubbings or decorating stones.
• Benefits: Enhances creativity, provides a sense of achievement, connects individuals with nature.

6. Sensory gardens

A sensory garden is designed to engage the senses through plants, textures, and fragrances. Google spots in your local area or you create your own.

• Tips: Use plants with strong scents and soft textures and add wind chimes for auditory stimulation. If visiting a local garden, check for quiet times and accessible facilities.
• Benefits: Provides multi-sensory engagement, reduces agitation, enhances relaxation.

7. Outdoor music and movement

Playing soft music outdoors and encouraging gentle movement, such as swaying, light dancing, or Tai Chi, can be a joyful and stimulating activity.

• Tips: Use familiar songs to aid reminiscence and gently encourage participation.
• Benefits: Improves mood, encourages movement, supports emotional expression.

8. Feeding ducks or watching fish

Visiting a local park or nature reserve pond to feed ducks or watch fish can be a simple yet enjoyable way to engage with nature in a calming, mindful way.

• Tips: Bring appropriate food for the animals (e.g., birdseed for ducks instead of bread). Pick a spot with benches for resting and soaking up the sights and sounds around you.
• Benefits: Encourages mindfulness, provides a calming experience, and fosters a connection with animals.

9. Seasonal activities

As the seasons change, so do the possibilities to take part in creative activities linked to nature.

• Collecting colourful autumn leaves
• Watching spring blossoms
• Building a small snowman in winter
• Picking fresh berries in summer.

10. English Heritage sites

Many English Heritage sites have accessible outdoor spaces, beautiful gardens, and historic settings that can be stimulating and nostalgic.

• Tips: Choose sites with wheelchair-friendly paths if needed, and ample seating. Look for dementia-friendly support at your local site.
• Benefits: Sparks memories, provides gentle exercise, offers opportunities for socialising.

11. Beach days

A beach day has sensory benefits and also sparks nostalgia for childhood trips and holidays, which can lead to reminiscence and shared stories. 

• Tips: Choose beaches with accessible pathways and shaded seating. Look for sensory objects like seashells or smooth stones for tactile stimulation.
• Benefits: Provides sensory enrichment, promotes relaxation, evokes happy memories.

For more inspiration, check out our articles on dementia-friendly days out in the north and dementia-friendly days out in the south of England.

Reducing the barriers to experiencing nature 

Despite the benefits, many people don’t spend time in nature due to lack of confidence, anxiety, or transport and planning concerns.

Here are a few tips to overcome those barriers for people living with dementia.

• Start with familiar outings
• Visit at quiet times
• Select accessible paths
• Carry essential supplies
• Research dementia-friendly spaces
• Plan ahead
• Keep an open mind if it doesn’t go to plan.

Live well with dementia 

Hopefully, these nature-based activity ideas will help you inject more joy into life with dementia.

We know the impact of dementia on a family, having experienced it first-hand – that’s why we created A Good Day, to help others improve wellbeing in dementia through our dementia-friendly games and activities.

If you try any of these activities, we’d love to hear about it – drop us a message on Facebook or Instagram and via email.💛