Keeping Minds, Bodies, and Spirits Active at Minehead Day Centre

This week we were delighted to run a session at Minehead Day Centre with nine participants and four staff members. The afternoon began with a simple balloon batting warm-up — a playful but effective way to boost alertness, coordination, and

social interaction. We then introduced Jabbadao arm exercises, designed to support gentle physical activity and promote body awareness.

Music formed an important thread throughout the session. We sang three reminiscence songs at the beginning and end, drawing on the strong evidence base that music supports emotional wellbeing, memory recall, and social connection in people living with dementia (Särkämö et al., 2014; McDermott et al., 2013).

Games such as hoopla, beanbag target throwing, and seated football encouraged not only movement but also hand-eye coordination, focus, and shared enjoyment. Physical activities like these are shown to enhance quality of life and reduce agitation in older adults (Forbes et al., 2015).

By blending music, exercise, and play, the group offered a rich balance of cognitive, emotional, and physical stimulation. Occupational therapy practice highlights the importance of meaningful activity in maintaining a sense of identity, purpose, and wellbeing (Wilcock, 2006). This session was a clear example of how structured, enjoyable activities can bring people together, spark joy, and support health in everyday life.