Ideal Arts and Crafts and Their Benefits for Seniors
Did you know that crafting is an activity or a hobby that everyone can enjoy particularly to seniors? Yes, crafting is an enjoyable activity for older adults that offers mental and physical health benefits. Encourage elders for taking part in arts and crafts activities.
Here are some ideal crafting ideas for older adults.
- Knitting
- Sewing
- Coloring
- Crocheting
- Quilting
- Beading
- Embroidery
- Painting
- Lettering/Handwriting
- Collages
- Woodcrafts
Here are some health benefits of arts and crafts activities for seniors.
1. It Improves Memory and Staves off Cognitive Decline
Since crafting involves the use of your mental ability, engaging in crafting activities can decrease the chances of your senior loved one of memory loss or cognitive impairment. According to a study, seniors who engage in frequent mental activities like writing, coloring, knitting, quilting and crocheting experience a 32% reduction of memory decline.
2. It Improves coordination skills and keeps the brain sharp.
It is good for our mind and body if we use our senses. Thus, if your senior loved ones are fond of handwriting and lettering, encourage them to nurture their hobbies by giving them Happy Hand Lettering, which is a colorful and inspiration guide for turning their handwriting into hand lettering. Gripping and maneuvering the pen can help your senior loved ones improve motor skills and keep their brain sharp at the same time as they are thinking about what they are writing.
3. It Brings Happiness and Sense of Purpose
Studies have shown that a simple activity like coloring, quilting, embroidery, wood arts, painting or knitting can allow the brain to release dopamine which serves as a natural antidepressant within the body. Likewise, arts and crafts activities help seniors find a sense of purpose and self-worth when they are able to complete a project. Crafting is extremely valuable for elderly people who may feel like they can’t do the same things they once did.
4. It Helps Bring Seniors Together
Allow your senior loved ones to attend and participate in arts and crafts events and contests in your community to meet other fellow seniors and build camaraderie, but for you to have peace of mind while they are in the events, ensure that they wear a medical alert device to call for help in case of an accident. Looking and finding individuals who share common interests like writing, painting, woodcrafts, quilting or sewing will promote a feeling of togetherness.
It’s never too late for your loved ones to find and nurture their interest in arts and crafts. Encourage and support them with crafting to keep them active and happy.
