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Have you been down to the woods today?

Have you been down to the woods today? Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to share the key findings of the Wandering in the Woods action research project conducted by Dementia Adventure. Practical implications for changing practices in the dementia care and health and well‐being sectors are highlighted. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered using the participatory appraisal method in small groups both before and after “woodland adventure” days out. Findings – There was a 41 per cent increase in participants rating “exercise” as a factor which is “very important” to them. A number of potential physical, emotional, and social benefits of activity out in woodlands, for people with dementia, were identified. Research limitations/implications – The research is conducted with three relatively small groups, which vary in composition across the study, for practical reasons associated with care and capability of participants. Practical implications – Suggestions are shared and questions posed for individuals wanting to practically embed the learning from this project. Originality/value – Research looking at the benefits of green exercise and experiences of people living with dementia in care taking activity out in nature is very limited, this paper significantly contributes to this growing body of knowledge. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Working with Older People Emerald Publishing

Have you been down to the woods today?

Neil Mapes
Working with Older People , Volume 16 (1): 10 – Jan 1, 2012
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References (8)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2012 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1366-3666
DOI
10.1108/13663661211215105
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to share the key findings of the Wandering in the Woods action research project conducted by Dementia Adventure. Practical implications for changing practices in the dementia care and health and well‐being sectors are highlighted. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered using the participatory appraisal method in small groups both before and after “woodland adventure” days out. Findings – There was a 41 per cent increase in participants rating “exercise” as a factor which is “very important” to them. A number of potential physical, emotional, and social benefits of activity out in woodlands, for people with dementia, were identified. Research limitations/implications – The research is conducted with three relatively small groups, which vary in composition across the study, for practical reasons associated with care and capability of participants. Practical implications – Suggestions are shared and questions posed for individuals wanting to practically embed the learning from this project. Originality/value – Research looking at the benefits of green exercise and experiences of people living with dementia in care taking activity out in nature is very limited, this paper significantly contributes to this growing body of knowledge.

Journal

Working with Older People – Emerald Publishing

Published: Jan 1, 2012

Keywords: Dementia; Green exercise; Exercise; Activity; Outdoors; Participatory‐appraisal; Research

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