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Wondering how to add more fun to the book club meetings? Or is the free time during your retirement not coinciding with your social bucket list dreams? Lucky for you, we know the answer to the gaps in your schedule that you have for fun activities. Consider crafts for seniors, a surefire way to boost creativity, build team spirit with your fellows and is also appreciated by therapists!
Crafts for seniors can be a range of things – from making a birthday card at home with a piece of paper to molding your new table centerpiece from clay. These activities are meant to be fun and accessible. In this blog we will explore the benefits of crafts for older adults, 15 arts and crafts ideas for seniors. That way, whether you are in home care by yourself or if you are someone coordinating activities for residents in a nursing home, there are fun tasks for all seniors!
The benefits of craft activities for seniors
While we’ve hinted at the biggest benefit for crafts is to have fun, there are other reasons why this is so popular among older people. Through the art in their craft, you can de-stress and express yourself. At the end of the day, when you’re looking at your finished project, isn’t the warm feeling of empowerment coupled with accomplished joy worth it, or what? Here are the benefits summed up:
1. Better cognitive function
With age,we tend to get more relaxed with lesser things burdening our schedule. We also become more likely to get dementia. Being engaged in an art group keeps seniors active, reducing boredom. Research shows that this kind of art therapy reduces cognitive decline and keeps the brain stimulated preventing dementia from developing early on.
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2. Improved emotional health
About 15% of seniors struggle with mental health e.g. anxiety or depression. Participating in simple crafts activities can be distracting, and can help them overcome loneliness especially when done in groups. The sense of accomplishment that they achieve after completing a task can boost the mood as well.
3. Sharper motor skills
With age, it takes a bit longer to do tasks because you can’t move like you used to. With repeated craft activities, you can reconnect with your body and, those “rusty” skills with paper cutting, sewing and what not, do get sharper.
4. Better self-expression and empowerment
Due to physical and mental limitations, many seniors have difficulty in expressing themselves. Based on research, doing an arts and craft project has a positive effect on a person’s self-image. With art therapy, seniors develop a sense of purpose, cultivate a stronger self-belief and feel more in control of their lives.
5. Pain relief
Working with art activities can help in reducing pain and inflammation in older adults. This is because of the frequent use of joints and, as seniors are preoccupied with their projects, they think less about the pain.
6. Improved memory
Therapists recommend Alzheimer’s patients and residents in memory care to participate in craft projects as this is helpful for their minds. While making a new item, this prompts lost, fond memories to come to mind. Not only that, while these activities may result in lovely gift items; but also serve as good memory building exercises.
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7. Better social connections
There is evidence that suggests older adults need to be surrounded by friends and family for healthy aging. Having a friend circle reduces the chance of anxiety and depression in seniors. If you’re part of independent living, you’ll have plenty of chances to build lasting relationships. However, group art projects, especially during parties or hangouts, can add more fun and create chances to make meaningful friendships through exchanging gifts and ideas.
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9 Therapeutic arts and crafts for seniors
Be it for seniors in assisted living to nursing homes or for older adults living by themselves, check out these 9 ideas for arts and crafts for seniors:
3 Crafts for elderly with Limited Dexterity
Not everyone has the same level of mobility and that is expected. If activities for seniors with limited dexterity are a matter of interest, then here are some additional activities for them:
1. Tape painting
For this craft, you’ll need a piece of poster board, acrylic paints, and painter’s tape, as well as a large or medium paintbrush. The artist should make geometric shapes using tape and then paint over the design using different colors.
2. Painted Pots
Making a clay pot from scratch might be beyond a bit challenging and messy. But painting and decorating a pot can be just as fun and a whole lot easier.
Provide the seniors with terracotta pots in different shapes and sizes. Maybe they can paint one for themselves and one for a loved one. Layout a variety of paints and stencils for them to use.
When the pots are done, the seniors can plant succulents and place them in their rooms or around the community areas. Or they can give them to family members as gifts.
3. Suncatchers
Suncatchers are one of the best arts and crafts therapy projects for seniors. They’re incredibly versatile and you can even put them in the senior living common areas or rooms as well. After making a suncatcher- which has no design rules or limitations- the senior can easily put it in their room near the window.
This will allow the suncatcher to reflect the sunlight, and its appearance will change according to the weather. If you ask us, it’ll help add brightness and creative outlet into another dull room.
3 Craft ideas for seniors in Nursing Home
If you’re looking for ways to help seniors deal with boredom or connect them with new hobbies, arts and crafts are an excellent choice. Find some ideas below:
1. Recipe book
A hand-made recipe book showcases recipes passed on through the generations. Seniors will be satisfied with the knowledge that family recipes will continue to be enjoyed at future holidays.
They can even handwrite their family recipes. They can also write down an anecdote or favorite memory for each dish for an added personal touch.
Looking for a good recipe book? Click here for our recommendations!
2. Movie Poster
Seniors can be encouraged to gather round and make their own movie posters for their favorite films! Provide them with large paper, photos of their favorite stars and other relevant scenes. Watch as they bond, reminisce and marvel over each other’s creativity as they glue on the elements!
3. Homemade photo frames
Nothing’s better than making personalized photo frames for the family. Seniors can create unique photo frames for friends and family members. The best thing about these homemade frames is that you can use them as memorabilia and gifts for loved ones.
These articles about nursing homes can be insightful:
3 Art activities for seniors with Dementia
Check out these recommended activities for patients with dementia:
1. Music Journal
Music therapy for dementia patients is popular and quite beneficial. Have your senior listen to their favorite music and hand them a blank diary. Then encourage them to paste cut-out photos of their well-loved musicians and write in their song names, so that they can remember and listen to their favorite artists from time to time.
2. Sculpting
One potential benefit of sculpting for seniors with dementia is that it can help improve their hand-eye coordination and motor skills. Additionally, sculpting is an extremely soothing and therapeutic activity that helps promote cognitive stimulation and memory recall. Finally, sculpting can be a very social activity. It can provide a way for seniors with dementia to interact with others and enjoy themselves.
3. Painting
Painting is one of the best art therapy activities for seniors with dementia. Firstly, painting can help to stimulate the mind and keep the individual mentally active. Secondly, painting can be used as a form of expression through which seniors communicate their thoughts and feelings. Finally, painting can be calming and relaxing. This is beneficial for seniors with Dementia as they can often become agitated or anxious.
Final Thoughts
Crafts for senior citizens promise an adieu to boredom and helps older adults embrace creativity, passion and better well-being. From designing movie posters to making dreamcatchers, there are therapeutic, social and physical benefits of doing arts projects. Crafts for elderly people is a budget friendly hobby and is accessible for seniors of all ages!
FAQs
Is art therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage for art therapy will vary depending on the insurance company and the specific plan that is purchased. Besides, the art therapy will require a referral that deems it ‘‘Medically Necessary”.
Why is art therapy good?
There are many reasons why art therapy is good. One reason is that it can help people express their feelings and emotions. Art therapy can also help people deal with traumatic events, and it can be a way for people to learn about themselves. Plus, it can be a fun and creative way to relax and relieve stress.
Can art therapy help with anxiety?
Yes, art therapy can help with anxiety. When someone is anxious, they may feel overwhelmed and out of control. Art therapy can help by providing a safe and creative outlet to express their feelings and thoughts. It can also help to improve communication and self-expression skills.
Can you get an art therapy degree online?
Yes, there are a few online art therapy degree programs available. However, it is important to note that not all online art therapy degree programs are accredited. So, it is important to research the program carefully before enrolling.
What is craft therapy?
Craft therapy is a form of art therapy that uses crafting materials and activities to help people express themselves, explore their emotions, and achieve their therapeutic goals. Crafting can be a great way for people to connect with their inner selves and work through difficult emotions or experiences.
