Maggie Peasley, who lives with dementia, has been engaging in activities such as lifting weights, using the rowing machine, working with an exercise band, and running on the treadmill.
Despite her diagnosis, the fitness enthusiast has returned to her beloved routine, thanks to support from staff at Droitwich Mews, a care home owned by Avery Healthcare.
Birmingham-born Mrs Peasley, who moved to Droitwich after tying the knot, has always been passionate about fitness.
She became a resident at Droitwich Mews Care Home in April, and has always expressed her desire to return to the gym.
The care home staff made this possible by arranging weekly gym visits for Mrs Peasley, where she enjoys gentle exercises to maintain her mobility and coordination.
She said: “The gym sessions help me both mentally and physically.
“Meeting new people has also sparked a new social life for me that I didn’t have before.”
Dementia impacts memory, thinking, and daily activities.
However, Mrs Peasley’s determination, combined with regular physical activity, has slowed her cognitive decline while enhancing her mood and memory.
She said: “I love it.
“It keeps my brain happy.”
In the UK, there are an estimated 900,000 people living with dementia, a number expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040.
The care home believes that Maggie’s fitness journey demonstrates the importance of supporting residents in pursuing their passions.
Joan, activities coordinator at the home, said: “Seeing Maggie light up as she walks into the gym every week is truly inspiring.”
She added: “She’s a true hero to the idea that a dementia diagnosis does not have to be a barrier to leading a fulfilling and active life.
“Maggie’s strength and determination encourage all of us here to think differently about aging and health.”
For more information on the home, call 01905 958716.
Snap Fitness is celebrating an outstanding year across the UK & Ireland, breaking records across a number of key performanc
Keely Hodgkinson was crowned 2024's Sports Personality of the Year last night – sporting a stunning custom Nike gown – making her the fourth woman in a row
Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planetGet our free Climate emailGet our free Climate emailSmartwatches and fitness
Leigh McLean's husband Colin loved the gym and was always really fit until multiple sclerosis changed his life.The 57-year-old was diagnosed over a decade ago b