Craft projects are valuable activities for any age.
Research published by the American Academy of Neurology found that seniors who immerse themselves in crafts can delay the onset of cognitive problems that lead to memory disorders like dementia and Alzheimers. Arts and crafts include a spectrum of activities, from textile work to woodcarving; computer-based activities also make the list.
There are plenty of ways seniors can enjoy arts and crafts. On-site classes, online courses, and libraries are a few examples that allow seniors to discover crafts without isolation. A senior living community also provides the space needed to enjoy crafting techniques.
Learn more in this complete guide.
Art Therapy for Memory
According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is a psychotherapeutic method that uses applied psychological theories, art-making activities, and creative processes to assist with mental health outcomes. Art therapy gives seniors an outlet to communicate beyond words, helping to articulate mental health issues and embrace methods of care.
Senior living communities that offer memory care include memory improvement crafts to boost cognitive skills. These activities run the gamut, from handcrafted memory books to painting.
Other ideas include:
- Memory boxes
- Photography
- Landscape painting
- Collage art
- Knitting and crochet
- Sculpture
- Model-making and dioramas
- Digital art and albums
Engaging in the above activities helps seniors deal with complex feelings associated with memory loss, like changes in autonomy, depression, irritation, anxiety, and paranoia. Creative activities calm the nerves, helping seniors focus and embrace modes of positive thinking.
Making art with other people, like senior living residents and family, creates new memories for seniors. New memories can be easier to connect with since they’re fresh, but they’re also a springboard for reconnecting with lost memories. That’s why activities like memory books and boxes are a cornerstone of memory care.
How to Create Memory Boxes, Albums, and Books
All the supplies you need to create memory-centered art projects can be found at a local craft store or right at home. Photo album books may also be purchased at bookstores, home goods stores, and even select drug stores. Amazon and other online stores have plenty of photo albums.
There are scrapbook-style photo albums that allow seniors to adhere decorations and embellishments to the page, like decoupage, sequins, ribbons, dried flowers, and other supplies. Adding these items also improves tactile memory, helping seniors retrieve sensory memories about certain objects and environments.
Memory boxes also present an excellent opportunity to improve tactile memory. Tactile items to include:
- Heirloom jewelry and watches
- Scarves
- Dried flowers
- Seeds
- Small vintage toys
- Familiar books
- Knitted items
- Handcrafted items (paintings, crafts, etc.)
- Christmas tree ornaments
- Buttons and sewing notions
Seniors are encouraged to include items that remind them of childhood, including objects relevant to adolescence through adulthood. Later items may include letters, photos in picture frames, and rings.
Older adults can decorate these boxes with past favorite colors, familiar magazine clippings, stamps, stickers, paint pens, glitter, and sequins. Collages also add texture, enhancing tactile memory. Seniors may create multiple memory boxes specific to certain periods.
Calming and Repetitive Activities for Stress Reduction
Too much stress can hinder progress, especially senior cognitive enhancement. Seniors are encouraged to take up calming projects that require repetitive actions like crochet, pointillism, knitting, latch hook rug-making, and embroidery. These projects also provide a sense of completion, boosting confidence, self-esteem, and creative inspiration.
Crochet is an excellent example of a repetitive creative activity that results in a satisfying result. Hats, scarves, and mittens are a few examples of note. It’s also a calming activity that can be completed while listening to music or watching TV.
Seniors who crocheted or knitted in the past may improve memory recall while crocheting familiar items. Gifting these items to loved ones and new friends is another positive coping strategy for memory loss and aging.
This is the perfect time to take up more intricate, repetitive projects like miniature painting or pottery painting. Painting illustrations on tea cups and flower pots is relaxing and creative. These creations may also be gifted to friends and family.
The previous point also echoes the benefits of gardening, another calming and repetitive activity. Gardening provides a deeper sense of purpose in seniors. Caring for plants requires commitment and responsibility; you want your gardens to thrive!
Cooking is another calming activity that can activate past memories in seniors. Loved ones can share family recipes with seniors, reminding them of favorite meals enjoyed during the holidays and other special occasions. Culinary activities also trigger tactile memories that can aid in memory care.
Creative Brain-Boosting Activities
Seniors who want an even greater challenge should consider writing and illustrating a book. This book could be a memoir, travel journal, cookbook, gardening log, or a children’s book. Including illustrations can help improve creative thinking and inspire ideas for new projects.
The internet is full of public domain clipart available for reuse. Tech-savvy seniors can also edit clipart or make new graphics in Photoshop and other programs. Seniors can publish their finished books through Amazon Kindle, Lulu, Smashwords, and other platforms.
Starting with a simple journal also works. Journals can be decorated with an assortment of notions, from sequins to paper flowers. Writing a journal entry every day is one of many memory enhancement crafts seniors can do on their own.
Seniors are encouraged to enroll in arts and crafts classes to discover even more memory-enhancement crafts. These classes may include calligraphy, photography, botanical illustration, beading, and other courses.
Discover New Crafting Techniques In Your Golden Years
It’s never too late to embrace new creative memory exercises, whether it’s a journal or a garden. Consider these crafting techniques while navigating a world of creative possibilities. It’s the perfect time to talk to a senior living professional about activities on the calendar.
TerraBella Rock Hill is passionate about senior creativity. We believe it’s central to health and wellness, and we keep a packed calendar of creative opportunities. Read our testimonials to discover why seniors prefer our community above the rest.
Book a tour of our community to meet our team. We can’t wait to get to know you!
