Exploring the feasibility of social prescription of parkrun for people living with dementia.
1
Centre for Ageing Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
2
Canberra Health Services, Canberra, Australia
3
School of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
4
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A81
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Stigma and limited understanding of dementia as a disability contribute to social isolation and reduced wellbeing for people with dementia (1,2). parkrun is a global, social movement of free events where attendees can engage as volunteers, walkers, runners, or spectators (3). In Australia, the 'parkrun Practices' initiative encourages health professionals to prescribe parkrun (4,5), but knowledge of the benefits to people with dementia is limited. This mixed-methods study explored the feasibility of parkrun engagement and prescription for people with dementia in Australia.
METHODS:
An international scoping review using scientific databases, Google tools and parkrun blogs identified records describing parkrun participation by people with dementia and other disabilities, and inclusivity initiatives. Multiple authors conducted screening, data extraction and narrative synthesis. Stakeholder consultation extended insights from the literature through interviews and a workshop including people with dementia, care partners, parkrun personnel, and clinicians (N=16). Content analysis of transcripts explored perspectives and experiences about parkrun and social prescribing for people with dementia.
RESULTS:
Sixty-seven full text records (23 peer reviewed; 44 grey literature) reported parkrun participation by people with dementia and other disabilities, with wellbeing benefits such as enhanced fitness, confidence, and management of conditions. Initiatives to support access and inclusivity of parkrun included social prescribing and outreach ambassadors. Stakeholders highlighted parkrun’s positive, safe and inclusive atmosphere, and the meaning derived from community connections and personal achievements. While some considerations were recommended (e.g., course characteristics, transport), there was strong stakeholder support for the feasibility of parkrun prescriptions for people with dementia.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study provides evidence from literature and stakeholder consultation that parkrun offers meaningful engagement and benefits for people with dementia, supporting its potential as a social prescription. Participatory action research in Australia is underway to pilot referral pathways, parkrun engagement, and quality of life impacts for people with dementia.
Stigma and limited understanding of dementia as a disability contribute to social isolation and reduced wellbeing for people with dementia (1,2). parkrun is a global, social movement of free events where attendees can engage as volunteers, walkers, runners, or spectators (3). In Australia, the 'parkrun Practices' initiative encourages health professionals to prescribe parkrun (4,5), but knowledge of the benefits to people with dementia is limited. This mixed-methods study explored the feasibility of parkrun engagement and prescription for people with dementia in Australia.
METHODS:
An international scoping review using scientific databases, Google tools and parkrun blogs identified records describing parkrun participation by people with dementia and other disabilities, and inclusivity initiatives. Multiple authors conducted screening, data extraction and narrative synthesis. Stakeholder consultation extended insights from the literature through interviews and a workshop including people with dementia, care partners, parkrun personnel, and clinicians (N=16). Content analysis of transcripts explored perspectives and experiences about parkrun and social prescribing for people with dementia.
RESULTS:
Sixty-seven full text records (23 peer reviewed; 44 grey literature) reported parkrun participation by people with dementia and other disabilities, with wellbeing benefits such as enhanced fitness, confidence, and management of conditions. Initiatives to support access and inclusivity of parkrun included social prescribing and outreach ambassadors. Stakeholders highlighted parkrun’s positive, safe and inclusive atmosphere, and the meaning derived from community connections and personal achievements. While some considerations were recommended (e.g., course characteristics, transport), there was strong stakeholder support for the feasibility of parkrun prescriptions for people with dementia.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study provides evidence from literature and stakeholder consultation that parkrun offers meaningful engagement and benefits for people with dementia, supporting its potential as a social prescription. Participatory action research in Australia is underway to pilot referral pathways, parkrun engagement, and quality of life impacts for people with dementia.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
