Dementia Friendly Fun: Fun is not the opposite of professionalism – it’s the foundation of wellbeing
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Parallel 6
18 November, 2026 3:30 – 4:40 pmCultivating Connections: Nature, Sports and Therapeutic Activity
Ali Rogan has been involved with DHWG since its formation in 2009 as an active member and external affairs Lead, developing projects such as a strategy for easy access to Dementia-Friendly design and technology information and guidance to support the delivery of Recommendation 34 of APPG report on Housing and Care for Older People.
Dementia, housing, health care and technology have been important areas since she started working in the field 24 years ago and coupled to that, she is chair the Dementia Friendly Technology (DFT) group, formerly part of Prime Minister’s Dementia Champion’s initiative (PMCG), since its inception in 2016.
Ali has over 30 years’ marketing and external affairs experience and set up Hornsey Consulting in 2016. Work is centred around strategic communications, business growth and external affairs. Prior to this, Ali was Group Marketing Director at the market leading provider of technology enabled care services and is a former Vice Chair of the Health & Social Care Council at techUK.
Summary
Why dementia friendly fun matters
There is a growing body of research showing that dementia friendly fun can have a positive impact on wellbeing, confidence and quality of life, helping people stay socially connected, reduce loneliness and support emotional wellbeing
This talk is upbeat, positive and definitely NOT BORING and will explore how housing environments could be designed not just around safety, but around fun, connection and moments of light, highlighting the importance of dementia friendly spaces that foster joy, belonging and greater understanding for everyone.
We will end by asking the audience – what is one thing everyone should do after this event, to help people affected by dementia, live well through more fun?