In France, nearly a million inhabitants suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, including 8% of those over 65 years old. Each year in our country, 225,000 new cases are diagnosed according to the Vaincre Alzheimer foundation. To fight against this neuro-degenerative disease, it is important to stimulate your memory at any age, through games but also through physical exercise. At the François Legrand sports hall on Tuesday, in La Baconnière, the Mayenne departmental committee for Physical Education and Voluntary Gymnastics organized a “aging well” session for seniors.
Forming a circle, and in sportswear, the participants pass the ball while giving out loud the first name of the person who has just given it to them. Remembering, reminiscing, that’s Odette’s goal. Memory lapses are quite common in this 72-year-old woman. “Sometimes I put the bread in the fridge, that kind of thing…we do it mechanically” she says. Francine advocates physical exercise and mixed words to stimulate her brain. This does not prevent certain oversights. “Like earlier when I arrived, I saw someone I know very well, but I forgot his first name. I think this disease is very insidious, sneaky” she lets go.
The importance of usability
In blue jogging, Alain explains that he also works on his memory thanks to DIY. “At home, I often decorate the exterior of my house. I look at models on the internet, then I try to remember them in front of the work“. In adapted physical activity, conviviality also plays an important role, explains Mélinda Baron, sports educator. “We also work a lot in a fun way. We laughed and all that they will remember“explains the professional.
The isolation of the elderly promotes Alzheimer’s. According to Mélinda Baron, the health crisis has caused a lot of damage in Mayenne at this level.