ForgetMeNot - dementia friendly walking routes
A Co-Design project on how to create dementia friendly walking routes in collaboration with Næstved Municipality, Denmark. Through iterations of workshops, I have together with the other stakeholders been exploring ways of making a safe, inspiring and motivating walking route.
There is no cure for dementia, yet, but research has shown that physical activity can reduce symptoms of the disease. Symptoms such as depression, anxiety and restlessness. By reducing those symptoms the quality of life for the ones affected will increase. Therefor there is a need for safe and interesting physical activities. This walking route is one attempt to create something that inspire to use and that will keep people activated for longer.
Visit the process blog at www.forgetmenotdk.tumblr.com to see much more.
To get a deeper understanding of the everyday with the disease I have been taking part in the everyday life at Symfonien (nursinghome and activity center in Næstved), meeting professionals (caretakers, specialists, ergotherapists, physiotherapists and so on) and friends and family. Based on this I have facilitated 3 workshops and finally I have created a folder with 12 advices on how to create a dementia friendly walking route.
Workshop 1 - "a walk with our senses"
During workshop 1 participants were divided into groups to create a walk to be explored through our senses. We all remember with our senses and for someone diagnosed with dementia it is even more important. Things we thought we lost can be remembered when triggered by a smell or a sound.
Workshop 2 - "walk the walk"
Workshop 2 was about exploring different staged stations with ideas on wayfinding and activities for a dementia friendly walking route, based on both research and the previous workshop.
Workshop 3 - "NaturFitness with a twist"
The activity center at Symfonien was invited to explore and play the games provided. By adding a colorful and playful twist exercising was turned into a game. All activities was created to provide a variety of challenges, to make sure that everyone could participate on their own terms.
12 advices
This is a folder with 12 advices, based on research, interviews and workshops, to be used when designing a dementia friendly walking route.
Project Report
If you want to know more about the project take a look at my project report provided below. And do not hesitate to contact me for questions or comments.