Care Home Resident Reclaims Her Passion for Fitness This Christmas
An 82-year-old care home resident has rediscovered her passion for fitness this Christmas, engaging in activities such as lifting weights, using the rowing machine, working with an exercise band, and running on the treadmill.
Maggie Peasley, who lives with dementia, is back at her local gym thanks to support from staff at Droitwich Mews, a care home owned by Avery Healthcare.
Born in Birmingham and later moving to Droitwich Spa after tying the knot, Maggie had always been an avid gym-goer. Despite her diagnosis, she was determined to return to her fitness routine.
Maggie has been a resident at Droitwich Mews Care Home since April 2024 and has always expressed an interest in getting back into fitness.
Staff at the care home arranged weekly visits to the gym, where Maggie enjoys gentle exercises that help her maintain mobility and coordination.
Maggie 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, but Maggie’s determination, combined with regular physical activity, has slowed her cognitive decline while improving her mood and memory.
“I love it. It keeps my brain happy,” Maggie says.
There is an estimated 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and this number is expected to rise to 1.6 million by 20
40. Around one in 14 people over 65 have dementia, and the number increases with age.
The care home says Maggie’s success highlights the value of supporting residents in pursuing activities that matter to them.
“Seeing Maggie light up as she walks into the gym every week is truly inspiring.” said Joan, Activities Coordinator at Droitwich Mews Care Home.
Joan continued, “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.”
With Christmas approaching, Maggie’s story adds a festive reminder that new opportunities can be embraced at any stage of life.
For more information on Droitwich Mews Care Home, please call 01905 958716.
