March is National Crafting Month and there’s no better time for seniors to try making some different kinds of crafts. Crafting and making things by hand has a wide range of mental and physical health benefits for seniors.

One of the best things about crafting for seniors is that it can also be a social activity. Whether seniors join a class to learn a new craft or have companion care at home and spend time making crafts with a companion at home crafting can be a fun way for seniors to have social connection. With companion care at home seniors also have someone to help them shop for craft supplies, watch crafting videos, and take crafting classes with.

Some of the biggest benefits of making crafts for seniors are:

Cognitive Stimulation

Crafting activities involve various cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and spatial awareness. Engaging in crafts stimulates the brain and helps maintain cognitive function. Whether it’s knitting, painting, or working on puzzles, these activities require focus and attention, which can contribute to improved memory and mental agility.

Enhanced Fine Motor Skills

Many crafts involve intricate hand movements, precision, and coordination. Seniors can benefit from activities like knitting, crocheting, or painting, which help maintain and improve fine motor skills. Regular engagement in these activities can be especially beneficial for individuals with arthritis or other conditions affecting hand dexterity. Crafting can function almost as a sort of occupational therapy for seniors that helps them live independently.

Emotional Well-being

Crafting offers a creative outlet that allows seniors to express themselves and experience a sense of accomplishment. Completing a project, whether it’s a handmade card, a piece of art, or a piece of jewelry, can boost self-esteem and provide a tangible representation of their creativity. This sense of achievement gives seniors a better sense of emotional well-being and a positive outlook on life.

Stress Reduction

Engaging in creative activities has been linked to stress reduction. Crafting allows seniors to focus their minds on a specific task, diverting attention from daily worries and stressors. The rhythmic and repetitive motions involved in many crafts, such as knitting or coloring, have a calming effect, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.

Sense of Purpose

Losing a sense of purpose is something that many seniors struggle with once they retire. Having a meaningful and enjoyable activity, such as crafting, gives seniors a sense of purpose. It provides structure to their days and a reason to look forward to engaging in something they enjoy. And with so many different types of crafts to try there is always something new for seniors to learn and enjoy.

Helping Chronic Pain

Crafting can have therapeutic effects, both physically and emotionally. For seniors dealing with chronic pain or health issues, engaging in creative activities can serve as a form of pain management. Additionally, crafting provides an opportunity for self-expression, enabling seniors to process and cope with their emotions in a constructive manner.

Continued Learning

Learning new crafting techniques or exploring different artistic mediums encourages a continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills. Seniors can take on new challenges, sparking curiosity and maintaining a lifelong love of learning. This intellectual stimulation contributes to a healthy and active mind. Some seniors may find a new career as an artisan or crafter after they retire and finally have the time to learn a new art or craft.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Lincoln, NE please contact the caring staff at AmanaCare today. Call (402) 440-5878

AmanaCare Provides Senior Home Care Services in Lincoln, Kearney, Grand Island, North Platte, Hastings, Omaha, Columbus, Broken Bow, Scottsbluff, Norfolk and surrounding areas.

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AmanaCare Staff

The word Amana means “faithfulness, loyalty, constancy, devotion, integrity, trust.” It also means “support, confirmation; a guardian.” At AmanaCare, our goal is to confirm the inherent value of our clients and to support them through their unique circumstances. By providing constant, reliable care tailored to each person, we seek to be the guardian that they and their loved ones can trust. Every person is a unique gift from God, and therefore care is not one-size-fits-all. We craft our care plans to assist with your specific needs, the way you want them done. We set your care plan according to family needs and help you remain an active member of your family and community.

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