A new swimming initiative has been launched to support people living with dementia remain an “active part of their community.”

We are launching a new dementia-friendly swimming session which offers a supportive environment for people with dementia to swim with a family member, friend or carer.

It follows a successful trial session as part of Aberdeen’s 2016 Golden Games, where older people take part in a range of physical activities over two weeks. One family member who took part said she felt she “had her mum back” during the swim.

Swimming is great for overall physical and mental health, but can also help improve mood, increase confidence, improve cognition and help maintain independence with daily living tasks through improved flexibility and strength.

A swimming instructor will be available during these swim sessions for skills or water confidence support as required. 

Sarah Geoghegan, Dementia Adviser for Alzheimer Scotland said:

“It’s fantastic to see this kind of initiative being set up.  Often it requires only a few small changes to make an activity or service more accessible to people living with dementia and their families, but this can have a big impact on maintaining their health, wellbeing and independence, enabling them to remain an active part of their community.”

Paula Bisset, Development Officer (Active Lifestyles) for Sport Aberdeen added:

“It’s great that we were able to trial a dementia-friendly swim as part of the Golden Games. Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities for everyone to enjoy an active lifestyle. We hope these regular sessions will enable more people living with dementia to enjoy swimming in a supportive environment.”

Sport Aberdeen’s new Dementia Friendly Swimming Session will take place at Tullos Swimming Pool, on Fridays 1530-1615, starting on the 28^th October.A swimming instructor will be available during these swim sessions for skills or water confidence support as required.  Tullos Swimming Pool has a changing village with mixed male/female changing and private family-size cubicles. Sessions must block booked in advance, at £25 for 10 sessions, which will allow the booked swimmer plus one family member, friend or carer to be in the pool.  Sessions can be booked direct with Aquatics Aberdeen on 0845 601 3611 Option 1.