Health Benefits of Crafts for Seniors

Health Benefits of Crafts for Seniors

Retirement is the chance to do all the things you never had time for before. Travel. Play golf. Read. Spend time on crafts. Crafting is more than just an Etsy side hustle. FellowshipLIFE communities recognize the importance crafts have for seniors, which is why our communities include craft rooms, art studios, and woodworking shops among their amenities. 

Improve your health through art

Music is widely accepted as having a positive effect on health, but did you know other forms of art do, as well? From alleviating loneliness to improving hand-eye coordination, there’s lots that crafts can do for the elderly. 

Crafts for good

Doing things for others tends to uplift the spirit. Give your crafting new meaning by donating the finished products to a worthy cause. Donate a hand-crocheted blanket to an organization like Project Linus. Turn your wood-working skills into a donation to Toy-for-Tots. Host your local scout group to help teach them a skill they can use to earn their next badge. 

Improve your mental health

Sometimes in retirement people find themselves at a loss for what to do. That lack of activity can lead to depression and/or anxiety. But studies have shown various crafts, from woodworking to crocheting to basketweaving, can help alleviate these conditions. Not only do they give you something to do with your hands, but crafts with repetitive qualities can even have a meditative effect. 

Stay Limber

Many crafts, like crochet, needlework, and woodworking, might seem like they’d be difficult when dealing with arthritis or other mobility issues. But these crafts, if done right and with the proper tools, can actually help you keep moving. Keep your hands and arms limber with the movements needed for crafting, but make sure you know when to take a rest. 

Top craft activities for seniors

So, now that you have the time, what craft should you take up? There is no end to crafting ideas out there. The first step in deciding what you want to create is to take stock of your resources. What equipment do you have access to? What supplies? Do you have any health considerations that need to be considered? Do you want something to do as a group or on your own in your living space? Here are some common crafts to get you started: 

• Woodworking (toys, furniture, puzzles, bird houses) 
• Sewing (clothes, stuffed toys, doll accessories) 
• Knit/crochet (hats, scarves, gloves, blankets) 
• Quilting (blankets, coats, purses) 
• Embroidery/Cross-stitch 
• Painting 
• Pottery 
• Jewelry making 
• Christmas ornaments 
• Coloring books 

• Craft a community at FellowshipLIFE

• Ready to make the most of your retirement and let your creativity shine? Enjoy the dedicated craft spaces available at all FellowshipLIFE communities. Contact us today to learn more about our senior living communities and which one is the right fit for you.