What people living with dementia do to appreciate every day

British Columbia

Lived experience partners share the importance of meaningful activities, social connection and physical activityto continue finding joy in life.

Karina and Andrew Reid are sitting next to each other on their living room couch, with Andrew's arm on Karina's shoulder.
Headshots of lived experience partners, from left to right: Arabella Bengson, Mark Breslaw, Andrew and Karina Reid, Fred Keating

In The Slippery Slide, lived experience partner Don Cheeseman shared that despite the difficulties he faces living with dementia, he chooses to appreciate every day.

He is not alone in creating personal acts of resistance against a disease that is changing his abilities. Many of our lived experience partners have shared how they continue to find hope, pursue their goals and stay connected with the people and communities that matter most to them.

These stories are more than inspiring. Research suggests that participating in meaningful activities can support brain health. Staying socially connected and being physically active are positive lifestyle choices that can contribute to well-being and are often within our control.

Arabella Bengson, a lived experience partner in Comox, maintains her involvement through volunteering with non-profit organizations in her community. This includes being part of a dragon boating team and supporting others with public speaking. “Those activities are the tugboat I hold on to,” says Arabella.  “Without those activities, I’d really be lost.”  

For Richmond lived experience partner, Andrew Reid, joining a community based recreational day program for people living with younger onset dementia has introduced him to like-minded people. “We have a great time,” Andrew said. “We start every morning with a whole bunch of all the members. We dance in a private room and we have a really lovely experience.”

“There will be a lot of sadness and changes in body,” Andrew continued. “But that's the best reason to find people to who understand what people like myself are going through.”

Mark Breslaw, a lived experience partner in Surrey, enjoys engaging with his community and spending time with his children. Since stopping work, he has more opportunities to attend his son's track meets, take walks in nature or go out to movies. He particularly likes being near the water. “I take advantage whenever I can get on transit, no matter the season, and get close to the water,” says Mark.

Maple Ridge based lived experience parter Fred Keating enjoys several activities, including playing the ukelele with a group. He advises others to “make a meal of the opportunities that are available to you.” This attitude that he learned from his parents encourages accepting challenges and not backing away from them.

How do you appreciate every day?

Ways to appreciate everyday:

  • Join activities, such as volunteering, that have you engaging with other people.
  • Join support groups.
  • Do activities with family and friends.
  • Move around in nature.
  • Work out and participate in exercise.
  • Return to a musical hobby.
  • Find what you like and “make a meal of it.”

What are some of the ways you appreciate every day? Let us know in an email. Reach us at: [email protected].