Families urged to join Plymouth Memory Walk
Alzheimer’s Society is urging families to spend time together tackling the biggest health issue of our time, by joining the Plymouth Memory Walk on 8 October to raise money for a world without dementia.
The charity is encouraging residents to rally around family of all ages – from grandparents to grandchildren - and take part in the event, which is being held in association with HSBC.
A new survey by the charity reveals today (Thursday) that 44% of families in the South West only spend 4 hours a week or less together.
Many of the people surveyed said that they didn’t feel they spent enough quality time with their immediate families, citing ‘modern life’ difficulties, including everyone being free at the same time, watching TV without talking, using social media or working long hours.
The leading dementia charity is asking families across Devon to make the time they spend together count and join the Plymouth Memory Walk.
Encouragingly 32% of respondents said they enjoy going on a family walk and 47% enjoy a family day out.
However 1 in 3 (34%) of people said they don’t feel they take part in exercise (long walk or group sports) often enough with their families.
Considerable research shows that taking regular exercise can help reduce the risk of getting dementia, and there is also evidence to show that exercising outside in a rural environment or green spaces is also highly beneficial for people’s mental health and overall wellbeing.
Our survey findings backed this up, with 52% of people in the South West saying they prefer exercising in a green, outdoors environment than pounding the treadmill.
Taking part in Memory Walk will not only help reverse the trend of families spending little time together, but can boost your mood and help reduce your chance of dementia - all while walking to raise money for a world without dementia.
Over 13,000 people in Devon have dementia. With this number set to rise, soon we will all know someone who has or will be affected by the condition. Whether you’re walking in memory of a loved one, to celebrate someone you know affected by dementia or to create memories with family and friends, people of all ages and abilities can sign up to take part in the Plymouth Memory Walk, and raise money to support people with dementia and to find a cure.
Debbie Donnison, Alzheimer’s Society Regional Operations Manager South West said: “Modern life is having a huge impact on the time families spend together. Memory Walk is a great opportunity for all generations of every family to turn the tide and come together to walk for a world without dementia.
“We already know that what’s good for the heart is good for the head, and regular exercise is one of the best ways to help reduce your risk of developing dementia - all while enjoying a great day out in the fresh air with those you care about. The money you raise for Alzheimer’s Society will better support those living with dementia and help to find a cure. Every person, every pound, every step will bring us closer.
From the money raised, £650 would pay for a brain scan to help diagnosis, £100 would allow someone with dementia to attend ten Singing for the Brain® sessions, £20 would cover a month’s attendance at an Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Café.
To find out more about the Plymouth Memory Walk visit https://www.memorywalk.org.uk/find-a-walk/plymouth/ and sign up today to walk for a world without dementia.
