Minds in Motion® at Bowmanville Older Adult Association

About Minds in Motion®

Minds in Motion® is a social program that incorporates physical and mental stimulation for people with early to mid-stage dementia and their care partners.

Through the Minds in Motion® program, both the person living with dementia and the care partner can benefit from the following:

• Increasing physical activity through gentle group exercise
• Establishing new friendships with others who are living with similar experiences
• Engaging in fun, social activities

How often does the program run and for how long?

These sessions run for two hours, once per week, for eight weeks in locations throughout Durham Region. 

Each session combines 45-60 minutes of gentle, easy-to-follow physical activities and 45-60 minutes of fun social activities focused on building personal skills.

Benefits of Participating

The person living with dementia benefits from:

• Improved balance, mobility, flexibility and alertness.
• Increased confidence, and comfort with their own circumstance.
• Mutual support from others facing similar experiences.

“I look forward to attending Minds in motion online every week. You get me moving physically, which has been limited because of the pandemic. I love feeling a part of a group event if it’s through a screen. Minds in Motion has helped me turn some lonely days into sunny happy days.” —  Person living with dementia.

The care partner benefits from:

• An opportunity to focus on their own health and have fun with their partner.
• Seeing the person they are caring for enjoying themselves.
• Mutual support and learning from other care partners.

“I enjoyed participating in both the physical exercise and the social activities. It was wonderful meeting and getting to know all the participants. A great group! Overall, a great program. We both love coming. Leaders are excellent—always empathetic and great teachers.” — Care partner.

“Excelling program—great people, got me out of the house and got a lot of information and communication with other people. I felt more comfortable being here a second time, saw an improvement in my mother—she smiled often!” — Family care partner.