‘MEMORABLE STEPS 2020’ For Dementia-Friendly, Physically-Fit Nation

‘Memorable Steps 2020’ is a virtual walk challenge that will take place from 1- 21 September 2020. This is organized by the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF) in collaboration with ‘Ayubo. life health app.’ Due to the current COVID- 19 pandemic, the LAF had decided to host their annual walk virtually and turning it into a challenge. The Daily Mirror spoke to Chandima Cooray, CEO of Ayubo.life to get an insight as to how this would be conducted. 

"Many aren’t aware of the early signs of dementia and ignore it for the longest time until their families realize it is dementia"

Virtual Walk Challenge

Cooray shared that the mission of Ayubo.life was to create a healthier nation and in doing so, to also support a good cause. “That’s what made us partner with LAF,” he said. Cooray also explained as to how the challenge will be conducted. “Firstly, you have to download the Ayubo.life mobile app which is available for both; IOS and Android platforms and then on active challenges, you will be able to find the LAF Virtual Walk Challenge. A registration fee of Rs.100 will be charged for the Virtual Walk Challenge. This can be paid using various methods such as credit card, FriMi, to be added on to the Dialog phone bill and you can then join the challenge from wherever you are,” he said.  

"It is imperative that people with dementia know they aren’t alone and that they have their family around them as the support system. This helps in giving the person with dementia a better quality of life"

To participate in the challenge, one has to walk keeping the phone with them and the steps will be recorded by either Apple Health or Google Fit. If you are a first-time user, the Ayubo.life app will ask for permission to access the data on Apple Health or Google Fit. “The steps will be recorded by Apple Health or Google Fit even when the person is offline and it will be shared on the challenge when online,” explained Cooray. He also stated that along the way there would be certain goals, once accomplished, it entitles the participant to win gifts. He revealed that there would be facts and educational messages on dementia as well, which would increase awareness on dementia.   
Like most challenges on Ayubo.life app, the virtual walk challenge too would have a route. The route starts at the Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) at Anuradhapura and will end at Sigiriya. Prof. Shehan Williams, LAF President, shared that they chose this route as both places are of significant historical value in Sri Lanka. “People from outside Sri Lanka too could participate and they would be educated on Sri Lanka as well as dementia,” he said.   
According to Prof. Williams the route consists of 91,000 steps and people will have to complete it within the 21days. Cooray stated that a leader board with the participants’ progress would be updated and displayed every day.   

"People from outside Sri Lanka too could participate and they would be educated on dementia as well"

“LAF Is Close To My Heart,” - Johann Peiris

Johann Peiris, the first male Sri Lankan to summit Mount Everest, spoke to The Daily Mirror regarding his reason for being an ambassador for the cause. “One of my close friends founded LAF; therefore, it is very close to my heart,” stated Peiris. He revealed that his salon is also a Dementia-friendly salon. He also added that he would come to LAF once a month and do the hair and manicure of the clients who attend the Activity Centre.  
“I believe that this virtual walk challenge will help people to stay physically fit, especially the youth. Also bring families together as this can help strengthen bonding among families and help people to be more aware of dementia,” said Peiris. He shared that 16,700 people had been with him on his expedition to Mount Everest by a similar challenge that was on theAyubo.lifeapp. Knowing that so many people were with him, virtually, was a great source of support and encouragement for him. 

"It brings families together and can help strengthen bonding among families and help people to be more aware of dementia"

“We Must Show People With Dementia That They Aren’t Alone,”  - Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson 

Seeing her mother living with dementia and her father taking care of her mother, for Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson, the first female CEO of a Group Conglomerate in Sri Lanka, the cause is close to her heart. “Many aren’t aware of the early signs of dementia and ignore it for the longest time.Then when families realize it is dementia, they aren’t aware of how to properly take care of the person,” stated Wilson.   
She stated that it was imperative that people with dementia know they aren’t alone and that they have their family around them as the support system. This helps in giving the person with dementia a better quality of life. “I believe that creating awareness regarding dementia would help achieve this,” she said.