Parkinson’s Awareness Month
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the more than 10 million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease affects movement, balance, and coordination, but it does not define a person’s ability to engage, connect, and find joy in daily life.
Before we discuss adapting activities for those with Parkinson’s, it is important to know how to recognize the signs. As with many diseases, early diagnosis can lead to a better quality of life. The Parkinson’s Foundation explains the importance of education with a simple ABC.
Physical - Chair Boxing
Physical activity plays a crucial role in managing Parkinson’s symptoms, helping to improve mobility, balance, coordination, and overall confidence in movement. The key is to focus on exercises that promote flexibility, strength, endurance, and rhythm. Boxing may not be the first activity that comes to mind, but it can be an effective movement therapy for Parkinson’s. Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact boxing program specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s. It incorporates footwork drills, hand-eye coordination exercises, and strength-building routines to improve balance, agility, and reaction time. Many communities have Rock Steady Boxing locations, and seated boxing modifications can be made for those with mobility concerns. If Rock Steady Boxing is not an option, there are also chair boxing videos on YouTube that that allow for guided at-home movement. Seated boxing is low-impact and can help improve dexterity, coordination, and upper body strength while being adaptable for different ability levels.
Emotional - Sing Along
Music has the power to uplift and engage, and singing can help with vocal strength and emotional expression. Group sing-alongs with familiar songs encourage social connection while supporting speech and breathing exercises. We encourage you to tailor your sing along playlists with favorite songs and artists of the participants.
Vocational - Crafts
Parkinson’s affects dexterity and fine motor skills, making hand-focused activities particularly beneficial. Simple crafts that promote flexibility and grip strength can be both enjoyable and helpful in maintaining independence. One of our favorites is working with air-dry clay, which can be adapted to different skill levels. We love creating simple clay roses such as these.
Senior Centers has 30 different craft suggestions for people with Parkinson’s, including working with clay.
Intellectual - Card Games
Cognitive stimulation is crucial for maintaining mental sharpness and slowing cognitive decline associated with Parkinson’s. Engaging in thought-provoking activities helps enhance memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive function.
Card games provide fun and familiar ways to engage the brain while encouraging social connection. Here are a few great options:
UNO – Reinforces color and number recognition, quick decision-making, and turn-taking.
Rummy or Gin Rummy – Strengthens pattern recognition, memory, and strategy.
Go Fish – Simple but effective in stimulating recall and matching skills.
Bridge or Pinochle – More complex games that challenge long-term memory and reasoning skills.
Be sure to modify games to simplify rules or allow for longer decision times to make them accessible while still being stimulating.
Spiritual - Meditation
Guided meditation and breathing exercises can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and support overall well-being. Simple seated meditation sessions with calming music or nature sounds can be a great addition to a daily routine. This Mindful Meditation from Power for Parkinson’s is a great video to use if an in person guide is not available.
Social - Simon Says
Simon Says isn’t just a childhood favorite—it’s a fantastic way to encourage movement, cognitive engagement, and social interaction for those with Parkinson’s! By adapting this classic game, we can incorporate purposeful exercises that help with mobility, balance, and reaction time while keeping the fun alive. Here are some tips to make Simon Says accessible:
Use Slow, Clear Instructions – Give participants extra time to process and complete each movement.
Incorporate Seated & Standing Options – Allow for modifications to accommodate different mobility levels.
Focus on Gentle, Controlled Movements – Avoid rapid or jerky motions; instead, emphasize smooth, intentional movements.
Include Cognitive Challenges – Add memory or sequencing elements to engage the brain.
Encourage Laughter & Socialization – Keep the game lighthearted and positive, reinforcing the social aspect.
Further Reading:
https://www.parkinson.org/sites/default/files/documents/About-PD-2024.pdf
