If your aging relative is spending far too much time sitting around doing nothing, you may want to consider introducing them to crafting. The kinds of crafts they can do are practically endless. There’s knitting, sewing, woodcrafts, paper crafting, and so many more. Using their hands to make things can give them a feeling of achievement as well as simply giving them something to do with their time. Since March is National Craft Month, this may be the perfect time to get older adults interested in crafts. In addition to being a fun way to pass the time, crafting also has many health benefits. Some of them are listed below.
Crafting Is Similar to Meditation
According to psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi who was quoted in an article on CNN’s website, when people create, they become so absorbed in what is going on that they lose track of time and what is going on around them. It makes people forget how their bodies feel and the things that are causing them stress.
Crafting May Help Prevent Cognitive Decline
Crafting engages the brain, which many people believe is one of the keys to keeping the mind sharp. In fact, studies have shown that seniors who do crafts like knitting or quilting have a reduced risk of developing mild cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive impairment is often a precursor to developing dementia. Their risks were reduced by about the same amount as people who read or play cognitive games.
Crafting Boosts Confidence
Successfully making something can provide a boost of confidence. Seeing the finished result and sharing it with others who praise their work makes seniors feel good.
Improves Quality of Life for Seniors with Dementia
Art therapy is often used with older adults who have dementia. Studies have shown that creating art can improve their health. It reduces behavioral symptoms, makes them happier, and improves their social behaviors.
Senior care can help your aging relative to start a new craft or continue to enjoy one they’ve done for years. Senior care providers can drive them to the store to pick up supplies. If they have difficulty reading small print on a pattern, a senior care provider can read it to them. A senior care provider can also help with parts of the crafting process that may be difficult for an older adult, like threading a needle or opening a jar of paint or tube of glue.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Murray, UT, contact the caring staff at Interim Healthcare. Call today 801-401-3515.
Author: Michael and Marlena Hawkins, Owners, Interim HealthCare, Salt Lake City, UT
Interim HealthCare of Salt Lake City has been in business since February 2014, providing in-home personal care and support services that help our elderly and/or disabled neighbors live enriched, safe and independent lives. Our goal is to provide customized care and support services that make it possible for our clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than relocate to an assisted living facility. Interim HealthCare is family owned by Michael and Marlana Hawkins, and is a Veteran Owned Small Business.
