Brainfit Programme – A Dementia Friendly Initiative
Summary
BrainFit is a fun and engaging weekly cognitive exercise programme for adults. This social programme is offered during each week of the term and the topics vary from week to week to keep our minds interested and active. Each session is approximately one hour in duration and consists of four parts: (1) introduction/new brain research, (2) finger coordination exercises/chair yoga, (3) session content, and (4) concluding meditation. It takes place at Warkworth Library each week, and was developed by library staff. They saw a need in the community for a programme that was designed for adults and could be accessed and enjoyed by people with dementia also.
The structured sessions include origami, tangram puzzles, lateral thinking games, brain teasers, whodunnits and ethical dilemmas. BrainFit offers a safe, nonjudgemental social space. It is accessed regularly by about 20 people, the majority of whom are older. Several couples attend where one partner has dementia. The programme could be rolled out in libraries across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland in the future.
Key facts
Main target group: Older people with chronic health conditions or disability
Other target group(s): People with dementia, lonely older adults
Sector(s): Health, Information and communication, Other
Other sector(s): Social participation
Desired outcome for older people:
Build and maintain relationships
- Dementia
- Healthy behaviours (e.g. physical activity)
- Inclusion
- Participation