A: Dementia Australia advocateDom O’Leary recommends starting with small and simple steps. She suggests tapping into something your loved one enjoys to bring exercise into their life. Walk in nature or a small park, observing the birds and flowers in bloom. Sit under trees in the shade for lunch afterwards. Immersing yourself in nature is healing. A short walk may become longer if you're both distracted by the scenery. If your loved one likes animals, go for a walk to look at dogs in the dog park and watch them play.
From my eperience as a carer, we tapped into what Dad used to love. He used to be a MAMIL (middle-aged man in Lycra) and rode long distances and competed. The aged care home had a small pedal machine to put in front of a seated resident. The geriatrician told us not to bother with exercise, as he said Dad would not gain muscle mass so there was no point. We disagreed, knowing that even gentle exercise helps with circulation and blood flow, increases mood and brain function and helps your body keep stronger for longer. The nurses put the pedal machine in front of Dad...he put his feet on the pedals and pedalled like he was back in a race! He loved it! The nurses were all surprised!
So, try gentle exercise that doesn't seem like exercise, like a walk in the park or around a courtyard garden if you can't travel too far with your loved one. Find things they used to like and relate them to exercise. Find music they love... gentle movement and dancing to their favourite tunes together, even if it's sitting in a chair and waving your arms... it's the start you can always build on according to their comfort levels.