Gentle Yoga, Laughter, and Dance – A Boost for People with Dementia and Their Carers

Living with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be tough, not just for those diagnosed, but also for their families and carers. After spending over 10 years working in hospitals and teaching gentle yoga at the community centres, I have seen how small, thoughtful movements can make a significant difference. Things like gentle yoga, somatic movement, laughter therapy, and chair yoga dance can lift spirits, ease stress, and bring a bit of joy to everyday life. These activities are not about moving the body, they help people feel calmer, more connected, and even happier inside.

In my years working with elderly and people with dementia, I have learned that moving the body does more than keep you physically fit. It is like a reset button for your mood and mind. When we slow down and focus on simple movements, something special happens. People start to sleep better, focus more, and even eat better. They feel alive again, like new ideas or solutions to problems pop into their heads. For someone with dementia, who might feel confused, anxious, or left out, these activities can bring a sense of calm and belonging.

In my classes, I do not just focus on stretching or strength. I aim to help people feel better about themselves. Whether it is a patient in a hospital bed or a group at the community centre, I have seen how a short session of gentle movement can bring a smile, help to relax, and feel proud of what they can do.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s can make everyday life feel overwhelming. People might feel agitated, lonely, or stiff in their bodies. Here is how gentle yoga, somatic movement, laughter therapy, and chair yoga dance can help:

• Gentle Yoga. This is about slow, easy movements, often done sitting in a chair. Something as simple as raising your arms while breathing deeply can improve flexibility and calm the mind. In my classes, I use moves like “arm raises with the breath” because they are easy to follow and make people feel accomplished.

• Somatic Movement. These are small, mindful movements that help you tune into your body. For example, tapping your feet slowly while noticing the feeling can get the blood flowing and keep legs from getting stiff. It is soothing and helps people focus.

• Laughter Therapy. Laughter is like medicine! Even forced giggles can turn into real laughs, lifting everyone’s mood. In my sessions, I might start with silly sounds or funny faces, and soon the whole room is chuckling together. It is a fantastic way to ease tension and bring people closer.

• Chair Yoga Dance: Combining gentle dance moves with music while seated is fun and gets the body moving. It is perfect for people who can not stand for long. The music sparks joy, and the rhythm helps with coordination.

I have seen these activities work wonders. People with dementia and their carers light up during group sessions. They share smiles, chat, and feel part of something. The slow, rhythmic movements paired with deep breathing calm their nerves, reduce anxiety, and help them relax. Plus, these sessions give them a chance to connect with others, which fights the loneliness that often comes with dementia.

Caring for someone with dementia is hard work, and carers often feel burned out. I have seen this in hospitals and care homes. Family members and staff give so much that they forget to take care of themselves. That is why I teach carers these same exercises. When they join in, it is like filling their own cup. They get a moment to breathe, laugh, and feel good, which helps them keep going.

In my classes, I train carers to guide these movements at home. It is not just about helping the person with dementia. It creates a bond. Doing a simple arm raise or laughing together over a silly dance move brings families closer. It is a way to share joy, even on tough days.