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If you thought arts and crafts activities were just for children, think again. Crafting is a hobby that people of all ages can enjoy, especially senior citizens. Besides providing an activity to keep busy, there are also health benefits that come along with crafting.
When you’re crafting, you’re creating and when you’re creating you’re using your mind. That’s why crafting has cognitive benefits for senior citizens. Seniors who knit for example, have to follow a pattern or perhaps are creating a pattern of their own. This stimulates different parts of the brain. In fact, researchers say activities like crafting can reduce a person’s chance of developing mild cognitive impairment by as much as 30 to 50 percent.
Many senior living facilities acknowledge the benefits of crafting for seniors and incorporate them in the activities they offer. Even something as simple as coloring for seniors can help with dexterity and motor skills. Research has showed that when an adult colors a pattern they can actually be taken into a meditative state. Some facilities incorporate music into their craft programs for an added benefit.
Arts and crafts activities seniors can take part in vary from facility to facility. Here are some general crafting activities that are often offered:
If you are looking for a specific craft activity to take part in be sure to ask if it is offered. If it isn’t many places will make every effort to add it to their program if possible.
If you’re a senior who lives at home and is looking for arts and crafts activities you can do at home, the internet is full of easy ideas. Here are some popular ones we found while surfing the web.
There are dozens of other craft ideas for seniors. Find an area that interests you or your loved one and you will be sure to find a fun crafting project.