Dementia and hobby's

 Many people give everything up after a diagnosis of dementia, and simply give up the will to fight on.

 

 But others keep going with it hobbies for as long as they can, while some even learn to do other hobbies, or even learn a different language, which is good.

 

Over the years many of my hobbies have been given up, either because I forgot how to do them, or they became too dangerous to do anymore.

 

As far as art is concerned I don't seem to be able to draw properly anymore, which is upsetting.

 

When I was an engineer I could go and look at a job of work, then I would sketch it out, and measure it up, knowing that I could work from the sketches, etc.  These days it's all gone and trying to sketch things is very hit and miss.

 

 However, I do still fight to hang on to using my computer and my camera, and although I can't always remember the settings, I am still determined to hang in a long as I can

 

Other people have other hobbies, which vary quite a lot.

 

I know someone who now carves walking sticks as a hobby, and that is amazing to hear about.

 

 I used to love wood carving, but these days, with a lack of coordination, I am a liability when it comes to using sharp tools, etc, so it's something that was stopped, although I still have my tools. But no doubt these will be sold off before I do any damage to myself

 

Others go walking with groups or meet other friends in pubs etc, where they have a good time.

 

I do feel that it's up to us all to keep fighting for as long as we can because the thought of giving up is a step too far.

 

Some people like singing for the brain these days. However, although I was in a church choir for over 10 years, I no longer sing these days, because I cannot get out of my boots as far as my voice is concerned, so I would rather be doing something that I can still enjoy doing.

 

I no longer swim because of coordination problems, because these days, when I move my arms while swimming, my mouth opens, and I end up swallowing more water than enough, so this was stopped.

 

However, it's good to hear about groups for people with dementia, etc, these days because people really need to remain active and mix with others where ever possible. 

 

I admit that these days I struggle due to my memory, but also have Osteoarthritis, Bronchiectasis and Microscopic Colitis which is causing utter havoc, because of the constant running to the toilet day and night.

 

 

But I still carry on at my own pace and that's important to me, as well as my family 

Photography keeps my brain active and allows me to take photographs of landscapes and wildlife, and to me, that's very important.

When I am out taking photographs, people always stop and speak, so I am never alone. It's amazing how many times a photographer has come up and spoken to me and perhaps told me where to get photographs of different things. 

 

Yes, I can have bad days when I don't remember the camera settings, but it's not the end of the world.,

 

These days I stick to automatic settings most of the time because I struggle to remember the manual settings, and while it's upsetting to lose that part of the hobby, I do feel that it's not the end of the world. 

 

The fact that I enjoy going out with my camera, and enjoy myself is all that matters. 

 

I think everyone should be encouraged to remain active and mix with others while they can still do it.

 

Many people give everything up after a diagnosis of dementia, and simply give up the will to fight on.

 But others keep going with it hobbies for as long as they can, while some even learn to do other hobbies, or even learn a different language, which is good.

As far as art is concerned I don't seem to be able to draw properly anymore, which is upsetting.

When I was an engineer I could go and look at a job of work, then I would sketch it out, and measure it up, knowing that I could work from the sketches, etc.  These days it's all gone and trying to sketch things is very hit and miss.

However I do still fight to hang on to using my computer and my camera, and although I can't always remember the settings, I am still determined to hang in a long as I can

Other people have other hobbies, which vary quite a lot.

I know someone who now carves walking sticks as a hobby, and that is amazing to hear about.

 

I used to love wood carving, but these days, with a lack of coordination, I am a liability when it comes to using sharp tools, etc, so it's something that was stopped, although I still have my tools. But no doubt these will be sold off before  I do any damage to myself

Others go walking with groups or meet other friends in pubs etc, where they have a good time.

I do feel that it's up to us all to keep fighting for as long as we can because the thought of giving up is a step too far.

Some people like singing for the brain these days. However, although I was in a church choir for over 10 years, I no longer sing these days, because I cannot get out of my boots as far as my voice is concerned, so I would rather doing something that I can still enjoy doing.

 

I no longer swim because of coordination problems, because these days, when I move my arms while swimming, my mouth opens and I end up swallowing more water than enough, so this was stopped.

 

However, it's good to hear about groups for people with dementia, etc, these days because people really need to remain active and mix with others where ever possible. 

 

We have a staic caravan which we use to get away from home for holidays etc, but this year I have loved being there rather than being at home, because i find it more relaxing, just sitting watching the wild birds etc, some of which are very friendly, i guess because its quiet most of the time.

 

The only downturn is the fact that I am getting more agitated these days, but thats life and i guess I am lucky to have got this far.

 

Life moves on