Meaningful Activities for People With Dementia

As dementia progresses, it’s easy to focus only on what’s being lost - memory, communication, or independence. But people living with dementia still experience joy, creativity, and a need for purpose. In their article “Meaningful activities for a person with dementia,” Dementia UK emphasizes that meaningful engagement is not just a “nice to have” - it’s a vital part of care.

Why Activities Matter

Engaging in meaningful activities can:

Improve mood and self-esteem
Reduce agitation, boredom, and depression
Offer a sense of structure and routine
Strengthen identity and self-worth
Support connection with others

Activities that feel purposeful can remind individuals of who they are, even as dementia changes how they navigate the world. And when these activities are done together with loved ones, they also foster stronger bonds and more positive moments.

What Makes an Activity ‘Meaningful’?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What’s meaningful depends on the person’s past interests, current abilities, and emotional state. For one person, it might be baking a familiar recipe. For another, listening to music from their youth or tending to a garden might spark joy.

The key is to focus on what the person can still do and enjoy, rather than what they’ve lost.

Activity Ideas From Dementia UK

Here are several categories of meaningful activities recommended by Dementia UK:

Creative: painting, drawing, collage, music, storytelling
Physical: walking, dancing, stretching, gardening
Sensory: hand massage, textured fabrics, aromatherapy
Domestic: folding laundry, setting the table, dusting
Reminiscence-based: photo albums, memory boxes, familiar songs
Nature-based: feeding birds, planting herbs, watching clouds

Importantly, activities don’t need to be “productive” in the traditional sense. Even small interactions - stroking a pet, holding a favourite item, listening to a poem - can offer comfort and connection.

How to Set Up Activities for Success

Keep it simple: Focus on one task at a time.
Follow their lead: If they lose interest, it’s okay to stop or switch activities.
Involve the senses: Familiar smells, textures, and sounds help spark emotional memories.
Avoid correcting: Let the person enjoy the moment rather than “getting it right.”
Create a calm environment: Reduce noise and visual clutter to avoid overstimulation.