HORSENS, Denmark – The simple act of swinging a badminton racket and sharing a laugh is proving to be a powerful tool for individuals living with dementia in Horsens, Denmark. A new initiative, “Badminton for All,” is bringing together people affected by dementia with their caregivers and others for weekly sessions focused on physical activity, social connection, and, above all, enjoyment.
The program, a collaboration between the Demensteamet in Horsens Kommune (Horsens Municipality) and Horsens Badminton Klub (HBK), launched during Demensugen (Dementia Week) in 2025, inspired in part by the success of the European Badminton Championships held in Horsens the previous year. The initiative aims to provide a welcoming space for individuals with dementia to remain active and engaged within their community.
“It’s incredibly important to be able to continue doing things that feel familiar and fun,” explains Sofie Grøn Neertoft, a physiotherapist with the Demensteamet in Horsens Kommune. “Badminton is accessible to everyone, and we can quickly adapt the level of play to suit all abilities. The most important thing is the exercise and having positive experiences together within the strong community of sports clubs.”
More Than Just a Game
The benefits of “Badminton for All” extend far beyond the physical. Following the matches, participants gather for coffee, conversation, and companionship. This social element is considered just as vital as the exercise itself. For many, the program provides a crucial opportunity to combat isolation and maintain a sense of purpose.
Jesper Kløve Søgaard, a participant in the program, shared his experience: “I’m here for both the social aspect and to keep my body moving. Because of my illness, I’ve had to stop working, so having a place to go is very important. I’ve always been active, but badminton was something I mostly played with family and colleagues. Here, we have some good laughs – and I always leave here in a good mood.”
Lars Michael Sørensen, another participant, echoed those sentiments. “I’m very interested in sports and simply can’t sit still. Due to Parkinson’s, my legs and brain don’t always fully cooperate when I play, but I train a lot because it does a lot of good for my balance. It’s invaluable to get out, move around, and be with others.”
The program’s success highlights a growing recognition of the importance of physical activity and social engagement in managing the symptoms of dementia and improving quality of life. While there is no cure for dementia, research increasingly demonstrates that regular exercise can help maintain cognitive function and slow the progression of the disease.
Badminton, in particular, offers a unique set of benefits. The sport requires hand-eye coordination, agility, and strategic thinking – all of which can provide a gentle yet stimulating workout for the brain. The relatively low-impact nature of the game also makes it suitable for individuals with varying levels of physical ability.
Horsens Badminton Klub, with its established facilities and experienced coaches, was an ideal partner for the Demensteamet. The club’s willingness to adapt its programs and create a welcoming environment for individuals with dementia has been instrumental in the success of “Badminton for All.”
The initiative isn’t just about providing a recreational activity. it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and challenging the stigma often associated with dementia. By creating a space where individuals with the condition can participate fully in community life, “Badminton for All” is helping to redefine what it means to live well with dementia.
The program’s organizers hope to expand the initiative in the future, offering more sessions and reaching a wider audience. They also plan to share their experiences with other communities, inspiring them to create similar programs that promote inclusion and well-being for people living with dementia.
For those interested in learning more about dementia and available support services, the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/) provides comprehensive information and resources.
The next scheduled “Badminton for All” session is set for [Date to be confirmed by HBK], at the Horsens Badminton Hal. Those interested in participating or volunteering can contact the Demensteamet in Horsens Kommune for more information.
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