The dementia–nature–inclusivity nexus and the needs of people living with dementia

Stapley, Sally ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5538-8717, Page, Stephen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1756-4561, Wheat, Hannah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3211-6254, Owen, Steve ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9191-8316, Ledingham, Katie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4025-4331, Price, Stephan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8676-628X, Connell, Joanne ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3428-6233, Quinn, Catherine ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9553-853X, Opdebeeck, Carol ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0402-0984, Victor, Christina ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4213-3974 and Clare, Linda ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3989-5318 (2024) The dementia–nature–inclusivity nexus and the needs of people living with dementia. Ageing and Society. pp. 1-23. ISSN 0144-686X

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Abstract

Understanding how to improve the physical and cognitive accessibility of visitor economy businesses and organisations wanting to offer nature-based outdoor pursuits for people with dementia is key to supporting their inclusion and agency. The aim of this qualitative study was to understand the experiences, needs and preferences of people with dementia participating in nature-based outdoor pursuits in their leisure time. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 people with dementia and 15 family members and subjected to thematic analysis. Four themes related to inclusion for people with dementia and their family members reflected diversity in individual needs and preferences for engaging with nature-based outdoor pursuits, their own adaptations to maintain access including accommodating risk, how cognitive and physical accessibility can be supported by businesses, and which practical and psychosocial barriers prevent inclusion. Learning from people with dementia and their family members has helped bridge the gap to their inclusion in nature-based outdoor pursuits. Their insights will inform the development of such pursuits by businesses and organisations as well as future work into risk decision-making.