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Nature-based activities for people living with dementia: a nice day out or a matter of human rights?

Simon Chester Evans (Simon Chester Evans and Teresa Atkinson work with the Association for Dementia Studies, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK.)
Teresa Atkinson (Simon Chester Evans and Teresa Atkinson work with the Association for Dementia Studies, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK.)
Mike Rogerson (Mike Rogerson works with the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK.)
Jennifer Bray (Jennifer Bray works with the Association for Dementia Studies, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK.)

Working with Older People

ISSN: 1366-3666

Article publication date: 18 November 2021

Issue publication date: 1 February 2022

321

Abstract

Purpose

There is growing interest in and evidence for the benefits of connecting with nature for people living with dementia, sometimes known as “green care”, including reduced stress, improved sleeping and even enhanced cognition. However, many people living with dementia are denied such opportunities, often because of practitioner perceptions of risk and poor design of outdoor spaces. This paper reports on the evaluation of a project that worked with national providers to give people living with dementia opportunities and support to access the natural environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation adopted a mixed-methods approach, using a combination of bespoke and commonly used tools and in-depth case study work to identify the facilitators and challenges to delivering the project and explore the experiences of activity participants.

Findings

Qualitative measures indicated a significant improvement in mental well-being for participants with dementia and family carers following attendance at activity sessions. Research interviews indicated that participants enjoyed activities based on connecting with nature. Being outdoors was a major factor in the experience, along with taking part in activities that were meaningful and opportunities for social interaction.

Originality/value

This paper provides evidence for the benefits of connecting with nature for people living with dementia. This paper concludes that access to the outdoors is not a luxury, it is a basic human right and one which has become increasingly important in light of restrictions that have emerged as a result of the COVID19 pandemic.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The evaluation on which this paper is based was funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Ref: 10305983.

Citation

Evans, S.C., Atkinson, T., Rogerson, M. and Bray, J. (2022), "Nature-based activities for people living with dementia: a nice day out or a matter of human rights?", Working with Older People, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 64-75. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-08-2021-0040

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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