avatarEP McKnight, MEd

Summary

The article discusses the positive impact of physical activity, specifically a Zumba Zoom class, on a 95-year-old woman with dementia, emphasizing the importance of movement for mental and physical health.

Abstract

The article presents a heartwarming account of a Zumba Zoom class attended by the author's 95-year-old mother, who has been living with dementia for over a decade. Despite the challenges posed by her condition and a recent mini-stroke, the mother actively participated in the class, demonstrating the benefits of physical activity for individuals with dementia. The author highlights the significance of staying active, noting that while dementia affects the mind, it does not have to dictate the quality of life. The Zumba class, tailored for seniors with varying limitations, showcases an inclusive approach to exercise that promotes engagement and joy. The article concludes by encouraging caregivers to encourage movement among their elderly loved ones, suggesting that it can positively affect the mind, soul, and body.

Opinions

  • The author believes that dementia does not signal the end of life and that individuals can still lead fulfilling lives by adapting to their circumstances.
  • The article conveys that physical activity, like Zumba, is crucial for the elderly with dementia, as it contributes to their overall well-being.
  • The author expresses that understanding the preferences and limitations of a person with dementia is essential in providing them with appropriate activities and care.
  • The piece suggests that science is continuously advancing, and there is hope for future treatments or cures for dementia.

Dementia Plus Being Sedentary is No Life

A short pictorial story about dementia and a Zumba zoom class with my 95-year-old mother.

A picture is worth a thousand words and conveys much truth and reality. Last week, we checkout out this Zumba class to see if it would be a fit for my mother who has had dementia for about ten plus years.

According to the Journal of Geriatrics Society by 2025, an estimated 7.2 million Americans are expected to have Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of cases. In the absence of medical breakthroughs, the prevalence is expected to climb to 13.8 million by 2060, almost doubling the number currently affected.

These are frightening statistics for the future but a pending reality. This looks like doom and gloom for future generations, but science is constantly evolving, and finding cures and dementia is on their radar.

While dementia may be a part of a loved one’s life, life does not have to end for the body, spirit, and soul as the mind gets affected to varying degrees. Learning to work with what you have is paramount.

My mother is what I call functioning dementia and very much so up until she had a mini-stroke about three years ago. The stroke affected her right side and therefore minimized much of what she used to do and can do. Speaking is way better but some words present a struggle but are understandable.

Knowing the person is key and what makes them respond favorably and unfavorable to things and others. My mother is the physical type who loves and enjoys helping others and being busy.

Upon learning about this Zumba zoom class for seniors taught by a dear friend, I zoomed in for mother. It was such a delight to see how much mother was engaged in the class between rest breaks for forty-five minutes.

Below are a few pictures to share mother’s experience in her first Zumba zoom class with other seniors. The reason why her journey is shared is to encourage others who may have a loved one that has been affected by dementia in some ways. Some movement is better than no movement at all.

Photo by EPMcKnight

The Zumba instructor did a great job in getting full participation on varying levels based on each limitation. The key as she stated was to keep moving and they did for forty-five minutes.

Photo by EPMcKnight
Photo by EPMcKnight
Photo by EPMcKnight

In conclusion, getting the elderly up and moving a little each day will do the mind, soul, and body good. Sedentary is detrimental to the total being, naturally, socially, spiritually, and physically. The key is to allow your loved ones to move at their own pace. Do three things when class is happening, encourage, compliment, and celebrate their achievement. Dementia for some takes a part of their life, learn to work with what life remains. Move them and make it fun.

For additional reads:

Dementia
Fitness
Alzheimers
Education
Life Lessons
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