World Physical Activity Day 2026: Making exercise accessible for older adults living with dementia
6 April 2026
Applying implementation science principles, GERI researchers are translating the benefits of resistance training into an evidence-based exercise programme that can be feasibly implemented in dementia day care centres.
Each year, World Physical Activity Day reminds us of the importance of exercise in healthy ageing and for functional independence. However, the next step – and often, hurdle – is to turn that into regular practice.
A team of GERI researchers have been studying resistance training for older adults living with dementia, given its promise in supporting cognitive health and overall function. The challenge lies in translating this into an evidence-based exercise programme that is accessible, feasible and effectively delivered within the context of a community care setting and its available resources.
To tackle this, the GERI study team worked with community partner Dementia Singapore to co-design a progressive resistance exercise intervention using minimal equipment, implemented at a dementia day care centre.
Hear from the study’s Principal Investigator Dr Tou Nien Xiang (Research Fellow, GERI) as he shares quick insights on what implementers need to sustain exercise programmes on the ground, the co-design process with community partners, and the instructional resources (such as exercise videos and a how-to manual) that are in the pipeline.
Click through the slideshow below to find out more.
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