Physical Activities

Physical activity has been found to improve sleep, involvement in daily activities, and physical function for Alzheimer's patients (Smallfield & Heckenlaible, 2017). Furthermore, research has found that social and physical activities (like games!) had a positive impact on cognitive function (Bae et al., 2020). These research articles, amongst several others, have demonstrated the importance of physical activity amongst the Alzheimer's and dementia population.

https://pin.it/1ahVvhttps://pin.it/1ahVvIg5W

Air Hockey

Materials: You can make this yourself or buy a set! To buy a set of pushers and pucks for $11.99-$13.99 you can go on amazon and search, “INSCOOL Air Hockey Pushers and Air Hockey Pucks Air Hockey Paddles, Goal Handles Paddles Replacement Accessories for Game Tables(4 Pushers, 8Pucks”or use the link https://a.co/d/irySZ0W. To make it yourself you will need a table, jar lids (for pucks), borders for tables (books), and tissue boxes (for pushers).

Directions: Have the individual(s) sit in a stable chair on opposite sides of the table. Place books around the border of the table to prevent the puck from falling off the sides of the table. Have individuals pass the puck back and forth and try to get it past each other at the end of the table to receive a point.

Hints for success:

Visually demonstrate how to play
Play music in the background
Play with them
If they make up their own rules, just go with it (as long as they are safe of course)!!

Grade Up:

Increase the distance to the goals
Have them use their non-dominant hand
Have them add up their points as they go along

Grade Down:

Decrease the distance to the goals
Have them only use their dominant hand
Add the points for them

Activity Addresses:

Upper body range of motion
Visual-spatial perception
Reflexes
Direction following
Hand-eye coordination
Weight shifting
Grip strength

Bowling

Materials: Bowling pin set or tall cones and a ball

Directions: Have individuals sit in a stable chair or stand with feet shoulder width apart and toss a ball at 10 “pins”.

Hints for success:

Place a stable chair behind the person if they are standing, incase they lose their footing
Use a gait belt if they have poor balance
Play music in the background
Play with them

Grade Up:

Increase distance to the pins
Have them bend down and throw the ball between their legs
Have them catch the ball between rounds
Perform in standing

Grade Down:

Decrease distance to the pins
Have them throw the ball straight at the cones without bending over
Hand them the ball between rounds
Perform in sitting

Activity Addresses:

Endurance/activity tolerance
Upper body range of motion
Visual-spatial perception
Balance
Direction following
Hand-eye coordination

https://getvipcare.com/blog/neuroboxing-knocking-out-cognitive-decline/

https://images.app.goo.gl/mBsyLD6W92qLeoLR6

Links for Boxing Videos:

https://youtu.be/ReQBQ5Jpl-k?si=KpuTXo4y0Eg4VeOc

https://youtu.be/VgFChD5u5kA?si=Unbv3dBOLzqZ1Jzm

Boxing

Materials: Boxing gloves/retrieving gloves and bag (optional/alternate options: pillow, pool noodles, or nothing!)

Directions: Start in sitting and have individual learn combinations with you (see side image). Start with combo 1-2 and advance as you see fit. If an individual is unable to remember combos just have them mimic you or freestyle it. When comfortable, move to standing and/or advance the combinations by calling out different numbers. Based on cognitive abilities and temperament decide whether to do air punches or retrieval punches. You can use the pillow, pool noodle, or retrieving gloves to receive punches. An alternate option would be to watch and follow along to a boxing video linked to the left.

Hints for success:

Go with the flow! If he/she wants to just punch away randomly, let them (as long as both you and them are safe)!
Play music!
Provide visual demonstrations/cues!

Grade Up:

Perform combinations
Complete in standing or walking
Have them repeat combos outload

Grade Down:

Complete in sitting
Freestyle punching
Visual cues where to punch (waving hand)

Activity Addresses:

Balance
Endurance
Upper body strength
Upper body range of motion
Weight shifting
Reflexes
Cognition/Memory

Cornhole

Materials: Cornhole and Bean bags or make a homemade target (ring) with a bag or balls to throw!

Directions: Set up cornhole boards inside or outside at an appropriate distance away from the individual. Have individual toss bags onto board. Keep simple scoring to increase motivation or don't keep score at all!

Hints for success:

Play with your loved one to promote engagement
Adjust the distance to increase success early on
Visually demonstrate how to play
Play music as you play

Grade Up:

Complete in standing
Increase the distance from the boards
Increase the weight of beanbag/object being thrown

Grade Down:

Complete in sitting
Decrease the distance from the boards
Decrease weight of beanbag/object being thrown
Have the goal be to hit the board instead of making it into the hole

Activity Addresses:

Upper body range of motion
Balance
Spatial awareness
Direction following

https://a.co/d/fVSzzh9

Darts

Materials: Dart board (Velcro board found on amazon titled, “Dart Board Game Set-29 inches, Board Games with 16 Stick Balls” for $13.99).

Link: https://a.co/d/2IcmWAU

Directions: Have individual(s) sit in a stable chair or stand with feet shoulder width apart and toss the velcro balls at the target. Keep score to keep it competitive if you would like!

Hints for success:

Place a stable chair behind the person if they are standing, incase they lose their footing
Play music in the background
Play with them
Set them up for success early by decreasing the distance they have to throw until they are successful, then move them back to find the right challenge.
It may be helpful to provide them with a visual cue such as painter tape on the floor so they know where to stand

Grade Up:

Increase the distance to the board
Have them use their non-dominant hand
Have them add up their points
Have them pull off their balls from the velcro board
Perform in standing
Have them toss overhand

Grade Down:

Decrease them distance to the board
Have them only use their dominant hand
Add the points for them
Hand them the velcro balls between rounds
Perform in sitting
Have them toss underhand

Activity Addresses:

Endurance/activity tolerance
Upper body range of motion
Visual-spatial perception
Cognition
Balance
Direction Following
Hand-eye coordination

Dancing

Materials: Computer/TV, and chair

Directions: Utilize some of the links from YouTube to complete seated or standing dance classes. If the individual(s) demonstrates good balance and physical fitness, this activity can be done in standing. Video classes are not necessary, so feel free to turn on your favorite tunes and get to dancing!

Hints for success:

If needed, slow down the video
Increase the volume to allow the individual(s) to follow along
Provide visual and tactile/physical cues to help
Sit next to or in front of them and perform the moves with them
If they are unable to follow the video, turn it off and lead the moves yourself!
Play the music they love and dance the moves they enjoy!

Grade Up:

Complete in standing
Increase difficulty of dance moves
Increase length of videos

Grade Down:

Complete in sitting
Sit in front or next to individual to allow them to mirror
Turn off video and instruct yourself with decreased verbiage and increased visual direction

Activity Addresses:

Balance
Activity tolerance/endurance
Upper and lower body range of motion
Direction Follow
Mind-Body connection/Proprioception

https://images.app.goo.gl/yBSDDiCktU6bG6KX7

Links:

https://youtu.be/JumRrhgSRIc?si=9mEKo_zdlZuPilSD

https://youtu.be/E6lsGDntAEM?si=hAzrd7epHfjUugJ9

https://youtu.be/48sPq0uF-7Q?si=UCP6-mCCfTCwb0lb

https://youtu.be/B7TfAayl-kA?si=KAFQes_x28p0TQ-f

https://images.app.goo.gl/d9c5UK58a7kbMCBt6

Links:

https://youtu.be/9nDBY2tH3lI?si=TbVCvuW0QiE9_otN

https://youtu.be/8BcPHWGQO44?si=1dyLVBv7_qrKikUN

https://youtu.be/qpswzOdP7Tk?si=FlxmY8nHwiq_AwN-

Exercise Video

Materials: Computer/TV, and chair (Optional: weights)

Directions: Utilize some of the links below from YouTube to complete exercise classes. They range from upper body/lower body workouts, Tai Chi, boxing, etc. This can be completed in sitting or standing depending on the level of the individual.

Hints for success:

If needed, slow down the video
Increase the volume to allow individual(s) to follow along
Provide visual and tactile/physical cues to help
Sit next to or in front of them and perform the exercises with them
If they are unable to follow the video, turn it off and lead them yourself!

Grade Up:

Complete in standing
Increase the difficulty of the videos
Increase the length of the videos

Grade Down:

Complete in sitting
Sit in front or next to individual to allow them to mirror
Turn off video and instruct yourself with decreased verbiage and increased visual direction

Activity Addresses:

Balance
Upper body and lower body strength
Activity tolerance/endurance
Upper body and lower body range of motion
Direction following
Mind-Body connection and proprioception
Weightshifting

Kick Bowling

Materials: Bowling pin set up or tall cones and a soft ball

Directions: Have individuals sit in a stable chair or stand with feet shoulder width apart and kick the ball and try to knock down the10 “pins”

Hints for success:

Place a stable chair behind the person if they are standing, incase they lose their footing
Use a gait belt if they have poor balance
Play music in the background
Play with them

Grade Up:

Increase the distance to the pins
Have them stop the ball with their feet between rounds or catch the ball
Perform in standing

Grade Down:

Decrease the distance to the pins
Place the ball between their legs for them between rounds
Perform in sitting

Activity Addresses:

Endurance/activity tolerance
Lower body range of motion
Visual-spatial perception
Balance
Weight shifting
Direction following

https://images.app.goo.gl/H9F4CyHWCBGq7WVb6

Ladder Ball

Materials: Ladder Ball and Bolo balls. You can find sets on amazon or at Five Below for $5.00.

Directions: Set up Ladder Ball inside or outside at an appropriate distance away from the individual. Use tape on the ground or a cone to show the individual(s) where they need to stand. Have individuals toss bolo balls onto ladder. Keep simple scoring to increase motivation!

Hints for success:

Visually demonstrate how to play
Play music in the background
Play with them
If they make up their own rules, just go with it (as long as they are safe of course)!!
Use less words and more actions to show how it's done!

Grade Up:

Increase the distance to the ladder
Have them use their non-dominant hand
Have them add up their points
Complete in standing

Grade Down:

Decrease distance to the ladder
Have them only use their dominant hand
Add their points for them
Complete in sitting (use a stable chair)

Activity Addresses:

Upper body range of motion
Visual-spatial perception
Balance
Cognition
Direction Following
Hand-eye coordination

Nerf Gun Targets

Materials: Nerf Guns, Nerf Bullets, and targets (balls, cups, figurines, ect.)

Directions: Set up targets and label them with differing point values based on the distance they are from the individual(s). Have individual(s) shoot at the targets and try to knock them down or hit the target in order to gain points. If competing they can try to knock down the most number of targets or one person can go at a time and count points.

Hints for success:

Visually demonstrate how to play
Play music in the background
Play with them
If they make up their own rules, just go with it (as long as they are safe of course)!!
Use less words and more actions to show how it's done!

Grade Up:

Have them use their non-dominant hand
Have the targets further away
Make the targets smaller
Make moving targets
Complete in standing

Grade Down:

Have them only use their dominant hand
Have the targets closer to individual(s)
Make the targets bigger
Complete in sitting

Activity Addresses:

Visual-spatial perception
Reflexes
Visual scanning
Hand-eye coordination
Grip strength
Pinch strength

https://images.app.goo.gl/D3kmMW1nP7xNkCwGA

Noodle Balloon Tap

Materials: Stable chairs, balloon, and pool noodles.

Directions: Set up individuals in a circle and have them hold pool noodles in their hand. Toss a balloon into the circle and have individual(s) hit the balloon with their noodles. Keep people close enough that the balloon won't escape too easily, but far enough where they will not hit one another when using their noodle. To make it more cognitively enriching, play the alphabet game; pick a category and every time someone hits the balloon they go down the alphabet and say something that starts with that letter within that specific category. Ex. Category: Fruit, 1st Hit: Apple, 2nd Hit: Banana, 3rd Hit: Clementine….etc.

Hints for success:

Visually demonstrate how to play
Play music in the background
Play with them
If they make up their own rules, just go with it (as long as they are safe of course)!!
Use less words and more actions to show how it's done!

Grade Up:

Pick harder categories for them to use
Have them use their non-dominant hand
Use multiple balloons

Grade Down:

Pick easier categories for them to use
Have them only use their dominant hand

Activity Addresses:

Upper body range of motion
Visual-spatial perception
Reflexes
Cognition
Direction following
Visual tracking
Hand-eye coordination
Weight shifting
Activity tolerance/endurance

Noodle Ball-Points/Baseball

Materials: Pool noodle, beach ball, and painters tape

Directions: Set up home base with a line of painters tape to designate the hitting spot. Take steps up and create a ladder-like pattern with the painters tape on the floor designating points by 1. The further an individual hits the beach ball with the noodle the more points they get. The lines designate the number of points they receive based on the distance they hit. If you want to make it more familiar, set up painters tape in a baseball field pattern and count points based on the “base” they hit it to!

Hints for success:

Visually demonstrate how to play
Play music in the background
Play with them
If they make up their own rules, just go with it (as long as they are safe of course)!!
Use less words and more actions to show how it's done!

Grade Up:

Have them use their non-dominant hand
Have them add up their points
Complete in standing

Grade Down:

Have them only use their dominant hand
Have them use both hands to hold the noodle horizontally and hit the ball
Add their points for them
Complete in sitting (stable chair)

Activity Addresses:

Upper body range of motion
Reflexes
Balance
Cognition
Hand-eye coordination

https://images.app.goo.gl/iboo97uUwZBX6nmE8

Put-put

Links:

Putting Holes: https://a.co/d/0isBE1x

Putting Green: https://a.co/d/cLshiWV

Materials: Golf putter, plastic cups, tape, and golf balls (Optional: putting green, putting holes)

Directions: Utilize cups/carboard holes/putting holes throughout the space to set up a put-put course or a single hole. Use the golf balls to get it into the hole. If doing a course for the final round, if you have it, utilize the actual putting green. Try to set up a 6 to 9 hole course. Materials can be found on amazon (links are to the left beneath the first photo)!

Hints for success:

Demonstrate how to complete the task
Play along for more fun!
Listen to music in the background
Set them up for success early by decreasing distance from the hole
If they make up their own rules, just go with it!
Keep score (adjust on the fly if needed) to keep it competitive!

Grade Up:

Complete in standing
Increase the length of the put
Increase the complexity or length of the course
Make it a competition

Grade Down:

Complete in sitting
Hand over hand assist to complete the put

Activity Addresses:

Balance
Upper body range of motion
Direction following
Visual-spatial perception
weight shifting
Activity tolerance/endurance

Ring Toss

Materials: Tall cones for the targets and rings

Directions: Have the individual(s) utilize rings to toss onto cones. Label cones with different point values based on their distance from the individual(s). Keep score to make it competitive.

Hints for success:

Play along for more fun!
Listen to music in the background
Set them up for success early by decreasing distance to cones

Grade Up:

Increase number of cones/targets
Increase the distance to the targets
Use smaller rings
Complete in standing
Have them keep score

Grade Down:

Decrease the number of cones/targets
Decrease the distance to the targets
Use larger rings
Complete in sitting
Keep score for them

Activity Addresses:

Upper body range of motion
Balance
Weight shifting
Visual-spatial perception
Cognition

https://images.app.goo.gl/Z5fePsMeaz7aGdtX7

Scavenger Hunt

Materials: None! (Optional: Cones)

Directions: Option One: give individual(s) a theme such as “the color orange”, “birds”, or “cars” and let them walk around the facility or the outdoor area (with supervision) to find those items. Keep count of the items they find as they call them out. Periodically remind them of the item they are finding. Option Two: Hide cones throughout the building or outside and have the individual(s) go and find them.

Hints for success:

Play along for more fun!
Listen to music in the background
Set them up for success early by decreasing difficulty of finding cones or objects early on
Utilize the same color cones if possible

Grade Up:

Increase the number of cones/objects to find
Hide cones in more difficult places
Use smaller objects like coins instead of cones
Increase distance between objects

Grade Down:

Provide verbal/tactile cues
Decrease the difficulty of finding objects
Decrease the distance between objects

Activity Addresses:

Endurance
Visual-spatial perception
Visual scanning
Cognition-Memory
Direction Following

ShuffleBoard

Materials: You can make this yourself! Use a Swiffer mop as the paddle, jar lids (or the air hockey lids from above) as the pucks, and painters tape to create the shuffleboard court.

Directions: Use the painters tape to create the court on the floor. After the tape is set up grab the swifter and pucks. Use the paddle to push pucks onto the court and receive points. Keep score of points to keep it fun and competitive!

Hints for success:

Visually demonstrate how to play
Play music in the background
Play with them
If they make up their own rules, just go with it (as long as they are safe of course)!!

Grade Up:

Increase the distance of the court
Have them use their non-dominant hand
Have them add up their own points

Grade Down:

Decrease the distance of the court
Have them only use their dominant hand
Add the points for them

Activity Addresses:

Upper body range of motion
Visual-spatial perception
Balance
Weight shifting
Cognition
Direction Following

https://pin.it/5V6ZyoSc2

Soccer Pass/Goal

Materials: Soccer ball or a ball they can kick, and cones

Directions: Have individuals stand with feet shoulder width apart and pass the soccer ball to another person or between goals that are set up with cones. If you are alone and a person demonstrates poor balance use the cones as the target and assist the individual by holding their waist/gait belt. If you have more than one person running the activity, then one person can pass the ball back and forth with the individual(s) while the other holds the waist/gait belt of the individual(s). When setting up cones place three “goals” worth a different number of points to keep it competitive.

Hints for success:

Place a stable chair behind the person if they have poor balance, incase they lose their footing
Use a gait belt if they have poor balance
Hold the ball steady for them prior to their kick
Play music in the background
Before kicking the ball have them do preparatory kicks to mimic the action they will perform

Grade Up:

Increase number of goals
Decrease distance between the cones to make it harder to achieve a goal
Have the individual stop the ball with their feet when you pass it to them
Increase the distance to the goals or to the passer

Grade Down:

Decrease the number of goals
Increase the distance between cones to make it easier to achieve a goal
Stop the ball yourself before they kick the ball
Hold the ball steady for them prior to the kick
Decrease the distance to the goals or to the passer

Activity Addresses:

Endurance
Visual-spatial perception
Balance
Direction Following
Lower body range of motion
Weight shifting

Table Golf

Materials: Soft plastic mini balls, construction paper, table

Directions: Utilize two tables and push them close enough together that there is a medium sized gap between them. Tape construction paper with a hole or holes in the paper. Have the individual(s) sit at the end of the table (or sides if there are more people) and try to roll the balls into the hole(s). Construction paper can be swapped out each round to change the size and location of the hole.

Hints for success:

Demonstrate how to complete the task
Play along for more fun!
Listen to music in the background
Set them up for success early by increasing size of the hole in the beginning
If they make up their own rules, just go with it!

Grade Up:

Complete in standing
Increase the length of the roll
Decrease the size of the hole
Add obstacles on the table during the roll

Grade Down:

Complete in sitting
Decrease the length of the roll
Increase the size of the hole

Activity Addresses:

Balance
Activity tolerance/endurance
Visual-spatial perception
Direction Following
Upper body range of motion

https://pin.it/2hY5ANC1f

https://pin.it/36yiWlHnw

Volleyball

Materials: Stable chairs, balloons or beach ball, and net or string (Optional pool noodle)

Directions: Set up chairs on opposite sides of the net (or string) and have individual(s) tap the ball over the net back and forth. If the ball drops on one side of the net the other team receives the point, just like in volleyball! If you would like, the individual(s) can use pool noodles to hit the ball over the net.

Hints for success:

Demonstrate how to complete the task
Play along for more fun!
Listen to music in the background
Set them up for success early by decreasing distance to the net
Make sure the chairs are stable
If they make up their own rules, just go with it!

Grade Up:

Complete in standing
Increase the number of balls/balloons used
Increase the distance from the net
Increase the height of the net

Grade Down:

Complete in sitting
Decrease the distance from the net
Decrease the height of the net

Activity Addresses:

Sitting Balance
Sitting tolerance
Upper body range of motion
Visual-spatial perception
Visual scanning
Reflexes
Weight shifting
Hand-eye coordination

Horseshoes

Materials: Horseshoes Set (https://a.co/d/io6KxOJ)

Directions: Set up horseshoe pegs and play a game of horseshoes either inside or outside. Toss the horseshoe on the pegs and get points!

Hints for success:

Demonstrate how to complete the task
Play along for more fun!
Listen to music in the background
Set them up for success early by decreasing distance to the pegs
If sitting make sure chairs are stable
If they make up their own rules, just go with it!

Grade Up:

Complete in standing
Increase the number of throws
Increase the distance to the pegs
Toss with their non-dominant hand

Grade Down:

Complete in sitting
Decrease the distance to the pegs

Activity Addresses:

Sitting/Standing Balance
Activity tolerance/endurance
Upper body range of motion
Visual-spatial perception
Hand-eye coordination

https://a.co/d/dIpE35h

Archery

Materials: Toy bows, toy arrows, and a target

Directions: Set up individual(s) standing behind a line or sitting in a stable chair and have them shoot at a target or multiple targets. Targets can be the typical archery target or cups with points written on them can be utilized.

Hints for success:

Demonstrate how to complete the task
Play along for more fun!
Listen to music in the background
Set them up for success early by decreasing distance to the target
If sitting make sure chairs are stable

Grade Up:

Complete in standing
Increase the number of shots
Increase the distance to the targets
Increase the number of targets located in different areas
Have them use their non-dominant hand

Grade Down:

Complete in sitting
Decrease the distance to the target
Increase the size of the target

Activity Addresses:

Sitting/Standing Tolerance
Balance
Upper body range of motion
Visual-spatial perception
Hand-eye coordination

Tic Tac Toe Toss

Materials: Tic Tac Toe Toss game (https://a.co/d/gqjJKmK or https://a.co/d/8YMyNP5)

Directions: Have individual(s) standing behind a line or sitting in a stable chair and have them toss the bean bag at the tic tac toe board that will be set up across from them. Play a game of tic tac toe by trying to get three X’s or three O’s in a row with the bean bags.

Hints for success:

Demonstrate how to complete the task
Play along for more fun!
Listen to music in the background
Set them up for success early by decreasing distance to the board
If sitting make sure chairs are stable
If they play the game incorrectly, it’s okay!

Grade Up:

Complete in standing
Increase the number of rounds
Increase the distance to the board
Have them use their non-dominant hand

Grade Down:

Complete in sitting
Decrease the distance to the board
Tell them where to toss it

Activity Addresses:

Sitting/Standing Tolerance
Cognition
Balance
Upper body range of motion
Visual-spatial perception
Visual scanning
Weight shifting

https://a.co/d/gZpcChc

https://a.co/d/1iMWJSQ

Croquet

Materials: Croquet Set ( https://a.co/d/1iMWJSQ )

Directions: Have individual(s) standing behind a line or sitting in a stable chair. Have them use the mallets to hit the croquet ball into the wickets. They can try to hit just one wicket or you may set up a course if you would like.

Hints for success:

Demonstrate how to complete the task
Play along for more fun!
Listen to music in the background
Set them up for success early by decreasing distance to the wickets
If sitting make sure chairs are stable
If they play the game incorrectly, it’s okay!

Grade Up:

Complete in standing
Increase the number of rounds/wickets to utilize
Increase the distance to the wickets

Grade Down:

Complete in sitting
Decrease the distance to the wickets
Decrease the number of rounds

Activity Addresses:

Sitting/Standing Tolerance
Balance
Upper body range of motion
Visual-spatial perception
Weight shifting

Disk Golf

Materials: Disk Golf Set (frisbee and target cage)

Directions: Have individual(s) standing behind a line or sitting in a stable chair and have them toss the frisbee into the target. You can split people into teams to see who gets their frisbees into the target first or have them complete the task one at a time.

Hints for success:

Demonstrate how to complete the task
Play along for more fun!
Listen to music in the background
Set them up for success early by decreasing distance to the target
If sitting make sure chairs are stable

Grade Up:

Complete in standing
Increase the number of rounds
Increase the distance to the target
Have them use their non-dominant hand

Grade Down:

Complete in sitting
Decrease the distance to the target

Activity Addresses:

Sitting/Standing Tolerance
Balance
Upper body range of motion
Visual-spatial perception
Weight shifting

Physical Activities

Air Hockey

Bowling

Boxing

Cornhole

Darts

Dancing

Exercise Video

Kick Bowling

Ladder Ball

Nerf Gun Targets

Noodle Balloon Tap

Noodle Ball-Points/Baseball

Put-put

Ring Toss

Scavenger Hunt

ShuffleBoard

Soccer Pass/Goal

Table Golf

Volleyball

Horseshoes

https://a.co/d/dIpE35h

Archery

Tic Tac Toe Toss

https://a.co/d/gZpcChc

https://a.co/d/1iMWJSQ

Croquet

Disk Golf

More Activities!