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 ...
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
