Australia's First Dementia-Friendly Forest Trail Opens in Ballarat

In a groundbreaking initiative, Australia's first dementia-friendly forest trail has opened in Woowookarung Regional Park, Ballarat. The 1.8km trail, designed to trigger positive memories and sensations for people with dementia, was inspired by Anne Tudor's personal experience with her wife Edie Mayhew, who had early-onset dementia.

Why this matters: As the global dementia population is projected to reach 153 million by 2050, innovative initiatives like this trail can provide a model for inclusive and accessible spaces that support people with dementia and their caregivers. By promoting exercise, stimulation, and social interaction, such projects can help improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

Anne and Edie, who were together for over three decades, refused to let Edie's 2010 diagnosis stop them from living a fulfilling life. They became advocates for people with dementia in Victoria, launching the Bigger Hearts Dementia Alliance Ballarat in 2016, which inspired Ballarat to become a dementia-friendly city.

The idea for the trail was born during a walk in Woowookarung Regional Park in December 2019, when Edie profoundly remarked,"The trees want to know how we are. "This insight motivated Anne, a retired clinical psychologist, to answer a call from the state government's park authority in 2017 to transform a once-deforested landscape into an inclusive space for everybody.

Four years later, the park became the site of the dementia-friendly forest and sensory trail. The trail features plants, sculptures, sensory installations, and quiet places for rest and reflection. In memory of Edie, who passed away in 2020, a life-sized steel bush window was erected in a clearing, inscribed with her invitation to commune with nature: "The trees want to know how you are."

The trail has become a much-loved community attraction, helping individuals and families, children with special needs, and people from aged care homes feel safe and welcomed. With 55 million people worldwide living with dementia, and predictions of 153 million by 2050, more destinations like Woowookarung Regional Park will be needed to provide exercise and stimulation in a safe setting.

Anne continues to advocate for positive ageing and leads an active life, inspiring others with her story. She takes comfort in knowing that her and Edie's story has inspired others, and she wants to tell them that "life doesn't end with a dementia diagnosis."

Key Takeaways

• Australia's first dementia-friendly forest trail opens in Woowookarung Regional Park, Ballarat.
• The 1.8km trail is designed to trigger positive memories and sensations for people with dementia.
• The trail features plants, sculptures, sensory installations, and quiet rest areas.
• The initiative aims to provide a model for inclusive spaces supporting people with dementia and caregivers.
• The trail has become a community attraction, promoting exercise, stimulation, and social interaction.