1 Memory trails
Public reminiscence walking trail in Cavan. Photos: The Alzheimer Society of Ireland
See it in action
Cavan, Ireland – Public reminiscence walking trail
Arnem, Netherlands – House of Memory, Dutch Open Air Museum
Memory trails provide a safe opportunity for people living with dementia and their care partners to spend time in nature, celebrate heritage, and connect with the community.
Challenge: People living with dementia often retain long-term memories better than short-term ones. Memories are tied to places and objects, and can be triggered by the sight of something familiar. But as cities change, physical reminders of the past disappear. Overall, our cities lack safe spaces for people living with dementia to spend time in the community.
Solution overview: Two examples from Ireland and the Netherlands show opportunities for the built environment to stimulate memory. The Dutch Open Air Museum partnered with Alzheimer Netherlands and other partners to create “House of Remembrance” that brings people back to the 1960s and 70s through music, food, scents, and architecture. In another example, a public reminiscence walking trail in Cavan, Ireland places memorabilia in a local park along a one-kilometre walking circuit, which also includes outdoor exercise equipment.
Solution overview: Two examples from Ireland and the Netherlands show opportunities for the built environment to stimulate memory. The Dutch Open Air Museum partnered with Alzheimer Netherlands and other partners to create “House of Remembrance” that brings people back to the 1960s and 70s through music, food, scents, and architecture. In another example, a public reminiscence walking trail in Cavan, Ireland places memorabilia in a local park along a one-kilometre walking circuit, which also includes outdoor exercise equipment.
Relevance to the guidelines
Strategy 1.5 Open spaces
Strategy 2.1 Pedestrian paths and sidewalks
Strategy 3.1 Seating
Strategy 3.3 Placemaking
Strategy 3.10 Vegetation