Group Exercise Activities: Benefits for Dementia

Dementia is a progressive disease that affects the brain. Today, we’ll look at the benefits of group exercise for individuals living with dementia.

Typically, dementia doesn’t present itself until later in life. It can inhibit memory, interfere with the ability to concentrate and even cause changes in personality. Specific symptoms depend on which area of the brain is affected by the disease. As dementia spreads, symptoms become more pronounced. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most prevalent form.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for dementia. However, lifestyle changes can increase the quality of life for loved ones living with this disease. People with dementia can especially benefit from engagement with others and physical activities. Group exercise classes meet both of these needs and can benefit the lives of persons with dementia.

Benefits of Group Exercise for Dementia Patients

Stimulation in group a group exercise program is one of the best ways to protect against memory loss and other symptoms of dementia in older adults. When people spend too much time alone or are inactive, their brain activity slows down. At the extreme, mild cognitive impairment becomes possible. Regular physical activity like a group exercise class, along with the mental stimulation that results from social interaction, keeps the brain fit and able to process and retain information quickly.

Both social engagement and physical exercise can have positive effects. They keep the brain stimulated and improve mental health. Although these activities can’t cure dementia, they can positively benefit dementia patients by improving their quality of life. You can compare this to weightlifting for a paralympic athlete – lifting weights won’t heal their injury, but it will improve their muscle strength and contribute positively to their overall health.

Exercise the Heart to Improve the Brain

All forms of regular exercise benefit the brain by supporting healthy blood vessels. Even moderate aerobic exercise can reduce hypertension and increase oxygen levels in people’s bloodstreams. This improves healthy blood flow and increases the amount of oxygen available to the brain. Oxygenated blood services the nerves in your brain, equipping them to work efficiently.

Studies show that working out strengthens your memory and can protect the human brain from shrinking as it ages. These results have been so encouraging that exercise is being explored as therapy for patients with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Immune System Not Immune to Benefits

In addition to supporting neural health, exercise can reduce chronic inflammation and boost your immune system. Spending time getting your heart rate up boosts your overall physical fitness and by doing so, boosts the strength of your immune system. The stronger you are, the better you can defend against sickness.

Cognitive Stimulation From Group Activities

Group exercise also offers the benefits of social stimulation. When people spend too much time isolated, they may start to feel depressed and anxious.

Time with others, for example in a walking group, also leads to meaningful connection, laughter and reminiscing. Studies show that social engagement has a positive impact on physical as well as mental health.

Older adults who are struggling with their hearing or mental health may want to avoid social situations like group exercise. However, this will only make their symptoms worse. Wearing hearing aids can help seniors reconnect and keep brain stimulation high. Group exercise classes often become less stressful over time as they turn into a familiar part of their routine.

Social/Physical Activities for Persons Living With Dementia

There are many different exercise groups for older adults. They cater to different levels of movement and coordination, ranging from very simple to complicated classes. Some exercise classes offer companions for seniors so they can have personal support during class.

Different activities require different levels of physical function. Everyone has physical limitations to some degree. Depending on the physical capabilities of the individual, the choice of activity expands greatly.

Family members can help identify such activities and should help monitor the appropriateness of specific group exercise sessions. A physical therapist can of course be helpful in this regard.

There are numerous benefits to group activities. Family caregivers can be a critical link to helping a person living with dementia enjoy the associated health benefits. Let’s look at many excellent physical and social activity options:

Chair Exercise

Persons living with dementia can benefit from chair exercise classes. These classes use simple movements from a seated position to improve blood flow and stretch muscles.

Instructors for chair exercise classes move slowly and talk members through each movement as they go. These classes are perfect for older people with low energy, inhibited balance or slow comprehension.

Although chair exercise seems simple, it benefits those living with dementia in a number of ways. Classes give seniors something to look forward to and a place to develop friendships – not to mention the exercise routine helps them achieve a strong sense of accomplishment.

The slow movements or chair exercise wake muscles up gently and increase blood flow. They can also improve flexibility through gentle stretches.

Walking

Older adults who are still mobile can benefit from walking – not just fighting cognitive decline. The simple motion of putting one foot in front of the other is a good way to benefit every system in the body.

Outdoor activities like walking improves blood flow and sends an abundant supply of fresh oxygen to the brain. Although one of many low-impact activities, walking boosts memory, improves cognition, and makes people feel happier.

You can make walking even more effective by doing it with other people. If a loved one is suffering from reduced brain function, go walking with them. You can also help them join a walking club with members who move at their pace. This will boost their emotional and physical health.

Walking in a group is safer and turns the task of exercising into a fun, social experience. You can use the opportunity to ask open-ended questions about their life experiences as part of your conversation. This gives you an opportunity to bake in some guided reminiscence as part of your walk.

Walking Clubs

To expand on the “walking in a group” concept, walking clubs elevate the experience by adding a social and motivational element. Many community groups supporting seniors offer walks at structured times for physical activity. They foster accountability, helping seniors stay committed to a routine. Walks can take place in parks, malls, or neighborhoods and may range from casual strolls to brisk paced treks, depending on the group’s preference.

Beyond fitness, walking clubs help fight loneliness or expand their social activities beyond family carers. Regular walks give participants a chance to catch up with others, share stories, and build friendships. Many clubs also incorporate themed walks, like nature observation or historical tours, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.

The sense of belonging and community associated with group walks often becomes just as important as the exercise itself.

Swimming

Swimming is an excellent activity for adults with dementia symptoms. Water supports the body, reducing pressure on ligaments and relieving pain. It makes cardio movements easier by slowing them down, creating a safe environment for seniors to benefit from physical activity.

Swimming can also improve coordination and quality of sleep, as even greater benefits of exercise.

The physical activity of swimming stimulates the body and the brain. It can give seniors a safe place to exert themselves without the risk of falls. These classes are also prime opportunities for socialization as members and instructors get to know each other.

If your loved one has plenty of energy but reduced mobility, water aerobics may be the perfect fit for them. The water resistance can accommodate a wide range of engagement levels. It all depends on the individual and their ability and desire to work hard – or not.

Yes, diligent supervision is required, as with any type of activity. However, the benefits can be significant.

Water Aerobics Classes

For individuals who would benefit from more exertion than swimming alone, water aerobics classes are gentle on joints while still offering a full-body workout. Held in shallow water, they combine cardio, strength, and flexibility exercises, often set to music.

Like swimming in general, the buoyancy of water reduces stress on bones and muscles, making it ideal for seniors with arthritis, osteoporosis, or limited mobility. These classes improve cardiovascular health and help maintain muscle tone without the risk of falling.

Equally important is the social atmosphere of these classes. Seniors often find camaraderie in the pool as they follow routines together, cheer each other on, and enjoy playful splashes. Many classes take place at local YMCAs or community centers and may be followed by coffee chats or group lunches, extending the exercise into a social experience.

Dance Classes

Studies show that dancing is good for your brain. It improves memory and reduces your risk for depression. Some studies even suggest that dancing enhances neural connections, improving the brain’s plasticity and ability to adapt.

Dancing also boosts mood, reminding seniors of music they once loved and inspiring laughter. This is a key element of music therapy, which can be a wonderful addition to any sensory activities.

Try taking your loved one to a ballroom dancing class and see how they respond. This is a great way to combine physical movement with social connection in a fun, low-key setting. Dances are broken down into simple steps by an instructor and set to music that seniors recognize. Most senior dance classes have members with a wide range of mobility.

Line Dancing

As a very special type of dance class, Line Dancing involves choreographed steps performed in a line or group without needing a partner, which makes it approachable for everyone. Granted, this is another activity appropriate for those with good agility. However, movements can be modified to suit different ability levels, and the rhythmic steps enhance balance, coordination, and memory.

Because it’s often done to upbeat music, line dancing doubles as both exercise and entertainment. Given the need for specific movement and steps, it provides an opportunity to focus on the present moment, potentially enhancing cognitive skills.

Classes or social dances are usually held at community centers, senior centers, or recreation halls, and they quickly become weekly highlights. The friendly atmosphere allows newcomers to feel welcomed, and the collective movement fosters a sense of unity. Many seniors find joy not only in the dancing but in the lively conversations and laughs that come afterward.

Some events are designed around a small group, while others are a more expanded format. Larger groups can sometimes include young adults to provide a more varied experience.

Tai Chi

This type of exercise comes from China and uses gentle movements to improve balance, flexibility and strength. Movements are completed from a standing position and require people to continually shift their weight. Arms move through the air slowly, taking different positions. People watching a Tai Chi class may feel like they’re watching a slow, graceful dance.

Tai Chi movements are meant to extend and contract important muscles throughout the body. Because the exercises are slow, adults are encouraged to breathe deeply with each movement. Research shows that Tai Chi significantly improves stability, reducing the risk of falling. It can also reduce pain and improve concentration, making it an excellent option for adults living with dementia.

Pickleball

Admittedly, this is more of a physical activity and should not be considered appropriate for everyone. However, for individuals who continue to have good mobility, it can be an excellent activity to support good hand-eye coordination.

Pickleball is a fast-growing sport among seniors because it’s easy to learn, low-impact, and incredibly social. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, it’s played on a small court with a paddle and perforated plastic ball. Given the small court size, movements are much shorter than say, tennis, requiring only a few steps at a time.

The game promotes cardiovascular health, agility, and coordination without putting excessive strain on the joints. Most community centers and senior centers now offer pickleball sessions or leagues, making it a great way for older adults to stay active and meet others. Once engaged, “social isolation” will NOT be a problem!

Beyond the physical benefits, pickleball’s appeal lies in its social atmosphere. Games are usually short, allowing players to rotate frequently and interact with many people. Whether it’s through doubles matches or post-game chats, seniors build friendships and enjoy a sense of community. Many local clubs even organize tournaments and potlucks, deepening the social connections formed on the court.

Gardening Clubs

Now back to an activity needed a bit less mobility, gardening provides moderate physical activity that improves strength, flexibility, and endurance—especially when planting, weeding, or watering.

Many community gardens or senior centers organize gardening clubs, where members can tend to plots together. This hands-on activity also boosts mental health, reduces stress, and offers a sense of purpose as members nurture and watch plants grow.

Gardening can offer different sensory experiences as well. Given the sights and sounds of the outdoors, plus the plant textures, smells, and eventually, crop tastes, Gardening can be a good idea as an all around beneficial activity.

The club setting transforms a solitary hobby into a social experience. Seniors share tips, divide harvests, and often bond over a shared love for nature. Some groups even host educational workshops or garden-themed socials, strengthening both knowledge and camaraderie. For those with limited mobility, raised beds or container gardening still allow meaningful participation.

Bowling Leagues

Bowling is a low-impact, joint-friendly activity that enhances balance, coordination, and upper-body strength. It’s particularly suited for seniors because it allows for structured movement in a climate-controlled indoor environment. Whether using lightweight balls or bumpers for stability, seniors can easily tailor the game to fit their physical capabilities while still enjoying the benefits of regular movement.

The league format encourages ongoing social engagement. Weekly meetups allow players to form teams, engage in light-hearted competition, and build lasting friendships. Bowling alleys often become social hubs, with seniors staying afterward for coffee, meals, or card games. The mix of fun, routine, and community makes bowling a long-time favorite among older adults.

Group Exercise for Dementia: Get Involved

Whether your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Vascular Dementia, or any other form, taking them to an appropriate exercise class can improve their quality of life. Exercise sends oxygen to the brain and can strengthen memory and improve cognitive function.

It also reduces blood pressure and chronic inflammation. Although it won’t cure dementia, gentle exercise can benefit your loved one’s brain and body.

Group classes combine exercise with an opportunity for social connection. Dementia often causes individuals to withdraw from their surroundings. However, healthcare professionals recommend social engagement to keep the brain stimulated, boost mood ,and give purpose to daily activities.

Maintaining friendships for as long as possible is important for seniors with dementia. Use these tips to place your loved one in an exercise class that will add health and happiness to their routine.

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About the Author

Beth Rush

Beth Rush is the Managing Editor and Content Manager at Body+Mind.

Body+Mind features articles about diet, fitness, mental health, parenting and health care.