8 Engaging Crafts for Seniors to Spark Joy
Staying sharp as you age requires more than a nutritional diet and regular physical activity. You also need to focus on keeping mentally active and stress-free.
Research done by the National Library of Medicine found that creativity aided in stress management and the overall well-being of participants.
The easiest way to add more creativity to your life is by participating in crafts for seniors. These kinds of projects keep your hands busy and your mind at ease. They can also lead to the development of key skills that'll have a positive impact on your retirement.
Curious to learn more? Read on to find out about the top 8 elderly crafting ideas you could start today!
1. Scrapbooking
If you're looking for therapeutic crafts for elderly creatives, look no further than scrapbooking. This craft has a unique charm because it mixes memories with artistry and leaves you with a beautiful memento you can look through at any time.
It's also a kind of activity that has multiple steps, so you can always be in the middle of a scrapbooking project. You'll need to complete multiple steps, including:
- Finding or taking photographs
- Cutting photos into shape
- Decorating the book
- Adding details or descriptions
With scrapbooking, you have the chance to give each memory a special spotlight. It'll not only bring joy to your day but can also help make recalling those memories even easier in the future.
2. Making Cards
Scrapbooking and card-making work well in tandem since they use a lot of the same supplies and steps. If you like one craft, chances are good you'll like the other.
What sets cards apart is the fact that you're more inclined to give them as a gift. Whether as a little reminder of affection or together with a bigger present, cards are more meaningful when they're made by hand.
Plus, giving handmade gifts can boost your mental well-being. It's the kind of craft that has a positive impact on everyone involved.
3. Making Jewelry
Making a unique style of jewelry is one of the top creative pastimes for seniors, but it does take more supplies than most of the other crafts on our list. Most jewelry crafts require items such as:
- Thin wire
- Wire cutter
- Needlenose pliers
- Beads
- Charms
- Gemstones
- Crimp beads
- Clasps
The good news is that once you have your supplies, you often have enough to make tons of jewelry before needing to replenish your items. Most of the tools last for years as well.
If you're uncertain you'd be able to handle tiny charms and thin wire, that's okay. It's possible to make adorable jewelry pieces with yarn and beads, too. Your hands will stay steady, and you will lose yourself in the creativity.
4. Fiber Arts
Knitting, crocheting, quilting, and embroidery all have a close association with seniors for good reason. They're fun senior projects that also allow for regular socialization and relaxation.
You'll keep your hands busy as you work on a pattern, but it doesn't take so much brainpower that you can't talk with friends.
Fiber arts are versatile as well. Some projects can finish in a few hours, while others can take weeks of dedicated work. Each type of craft can create all sorts of interesting things so you'll always be excited to try something new with your next project.
5. Sculpture
Sculpting can seem intimidating at first, but it's the type of craft that works best when you let go of perfectionism. Instead of trying to create the Statue of David with your first project, focus instead on the feeling of the clay in your hands and how it feels to turn a lump into something new.
It's a rewarding craft when you let yourself have fun with it. You'll get to create new items like pottery and you can even paint them to further customize them.
6. Soap Crafts
There's more to soap-making than many people think. You get to choose the color palette and the mix of scents. You can even decide if the soap should have anything extra in it, like ecological glitter or gel beads.
Once you've done the craft, it can be a fun challenge to come up with themes for yourself. Try creating a soap for a family member or one for a holiday. You'll get to be creative, and you'll end up with a unique item you won't ever find in a store.
7. Rock Painting
Senior art activities don't need to be so serious all the time. Some can be as simple as finding a smooth rock and giving it a makeover.
Doing this craft with your senior community makes the experience even better.
The key is to make sure you use acrylic paint for the job. Once it dries, it'll stay on the surface even if it gets wet. You could place the glamorous rock in your room as decoration or place it back outside to bring extra color to a favorite path.
Want to change it up a little? Try painting on seashells for a similarly engaging and therapeutic activity.
8. Origami
Creating interesting creatures and shapes from a single piece of paper can be a pleasing way to spend an afternoon. There are origami shapes for all experience levels and it doesn't require more than a piece of paper and instructions.
As you develop your skills, you'll have no trouble moving on to more difficult shapes. Soon, you'll be creating swans, frogs, and stars for all of your friends and family.
It's an enjoyable activity whether you do it with other seniors or in the comfort of your living quarters. Each finished shape leads you toward improvement on your next one, so you'll see proof of your progress with every completed project.
Indulge in Community Crafts for Seniors
With so many different types of crafts for seniors, there's an activity out there for everyone. The best part about crafting is that they're often low-commitment projects, so you can try something new without feeling overwhelmed.
Working on crafts with a buzzing community can make the experience even more exciting and fulfilling. That's why Addington Place of Collinsville ensures that crafting is a large part of our community activities list. Schedule a tour today to see our activities and events in person!