People affected by dementia in South London have been training their muscles and minds through Walking Sport sessions across Southwark.
Alzheimer’s Society has partnered with Ballers Academy, an organisation providing football coaching and mentoring to young people, to now offer sessions for people living with dementia and their carers.
The collaboration has seen more than 20 people from an Alzheimer’s Society support group in the capital benefit physically from sport, improve memory retention and reduce social isolation.
Community Development Director at Ballers Academy, Richard White runs the programme.
He explained: “We teamed up with Alzheimer’s Society originally to provide Walking Football, but then introduced other walking sports including cricket and they loved it.”
Walking Football is a format of the game which is proving popular for many with dementia. The slower pace and reduced physical contact make it accessible to those who want to continue playing or have not played a lot previously.
Richard added: “My grandmother developed dementia, so I went from not having a clue about the disease to knowing everything in a short space of time. The sport sessions are about more than exercise.
“They include games that stimulate the mind while improving balance and co-ordination, which enhances concentrate and focus. The feedback from those affected by dementia is that they feel more alert and responsive.
“One person with dementia who appeared reserved and only uttered a few words within months, came out of their shell and could not stop speaking after their first Walking Sport session. Being active helps individuals with dementia live more fulfilled lives and that is so important.
“It enables their brains to be active as they think about strategy, which allows them to live after a diagnosis, rather than hide away. A dementia diagnosis is not a death sentence. People can still live a great life afterwards and these sessions help them do just that. If they have always enjoyed sport, there is no reason for that to stop.
“Partners who care for loved ones with dementia also show up and it is a great space for them share experiences and give advice to one another. Inevitably, someone has already been through the sticky situation which another person now faces.”
Raj Parekh, 90, lives in Rotherhithe and began attending the sessions with his late wife who lived with dementia.
He said: “I started going with my wife three years ago as she lived with dementia before passing away. She felt so much better after attending as her confidence increased and memory improved.
“They were so useful for her, which showed after they stopped because of the pandemic and her deterioration intensified. Her focus improved drastically. She loved the activities and was determined to do well in them. I still attend as it is great for my physical and mental health, too.”
Clyde Sealey also participates in Walking Sports sessions with his wife, Margaret, 75. They met in 1970 while training as nurses and live in Peckham.
He added: “Margaret was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Society in 2016, but I was seeing signs that something wasn’t quite right five years earlier. There has been deterioration and while Margaret is not the same person, it has not been as bad as I envisaged since her diagnosis and she still lives a happy life.
“Margaret looks forward to going to the sessions and although she is now non-verbal, I can tell she gets excited for the Walking Sports as it allows her to socialise, interact and meet new people.
“I can tell because she holds her hands out as a sign of embracing people. Her body language shows she likes participating in the activities and the mental stimulation is important for Margaret.
“It is also valuable for me because I get to be around a support group of other carers who can relate to my situation. A problem shared is a problem halved. We are originally from the Caribbean and love cricket, so enjoy the walking cricket and bowling most.”
There are currently 79,000 people living with dementia in London, almost enough to fill Wembley Stadium, while 2,000 with the disease reside in Southwark.
Sessions are also open to older people with other long-term health conditions including limited mobility. Before each session, the group discuss topics on the news agenda to keep participants brains active and stimulated.
As part of Alzheimer’s Society Sports United Against Dementia Campaign, it aims to make sport dementia friendly in London for spectators and players, so people with the condition continue watching live matches or playing the sport they have always loved.
For further information about Walking Sport, contact Richard at [email protected]. If you’re affected by dementia and need support, call Alzheimer’s Society on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
