Although older adults tend to associate arts and crafts with younger generations, these fun and engaging activities are widely enjoyed by people of all ages. In fact, according to a study by the National Arts Statistics and Evidence-based Reporting Center, adults aged 65 and older spend more time engaging in arts and crafts daily than any other age group—including those under 25! 

At The New Jewish Home, we understand the significant benefits activities like crafting andart therapy have on older adults’ outlook, as well as the positive effects they can have on both physical and mental health. 

More Than Just Fun: Discover the Benefits of Arts & Crafts for Older Adults

The term “arts and crafts” is a simple way to describe a broad range of activities that support overall well-being through mental and cognitive stimulation, as well as enhancing fine motor skills.  

Mental and cognitive stimulation

Arts and crafts activities exercise and strengthen the mind in various ways. Engaging in the arts can be considered either a “receptive” or “active” experience. While attending an art show would be categorized as receptive, the hands-on process of making art is an active experience. Both experiences have been proven to promote mindfulness, stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for conserving energy and regulating bodily functions, build cognitive reserves, enhance social interaction, and reduce sedentary behavior. 

For example, attending an art show may be engaging, but the social interaction with other older adults and discussion of the pieces require attention, concentration, memory, and recall. “Active” experiences, such as painting or hands-on crafting, come with their own unique skills and benefits. Creating a design can encourage problem-solving, painting challenges the brain to coordinate colors and shapes, and knitting or crocheting engages attention to detail.

Creative art therapy has also been found to enhance well-being and quality of life while decreasing the biological and psychological symptoms of dementia. That’s why The New Jewish Home proudly offers art therapy services, led by our experienced staff, as part of our Adult Day Health Care and short-stay rehabilitation programs. 

Fine motor skill enhancement

Arts and crafts aren’t just fun activities to pass the time; they’re also an enriching way to exercise and strengthen fine motor skills. From guiding a needle and swishing a paintbrush to manipulating clay and operating scissors, arts and crafts often require precise hand movements. 

Coupled with the use of strong hand-eye coordination and the development of muscle memory through repetition, arts and crafts can serve as another form of physical therapy. These are the same fine motor skills associated with crucial everyday tasks, such as grooming, dressing, and feeding.

Popular Arts and Crafts Activities for Older Adults

From artistic expressions like glass painting and coloring, to textile crafts like crocheting, knitting, and sewing, there is no shortage of ways older adults can express themselves and remain engaged:

·       Suncatchers: Capture those golden rays with just mason jar lids and coloring sheets or glass stones and glue.

·       Beaded bracelets: Design an original piece of jewelry for yourself or as a gift using either nylon thread or stretch elastic cord and colorful beads (or lettered beads for personalization).

·       Scrapbooking: Preserve the memories for the next generation in a personalized scrapbook. Gather some paper, scissors, and glue, and bring your photos to life with ribbons, stickers, glitter, and so much more. 

·       DIY dishcloth: This simple and small craft is ideal for an intermediate knitter and offers a creative twist on an everyday necessity. The best part is you can never have too many!

·       Pinecone bird feeder: Make birdwatching even more exciting with a basic bird feeder crafted from pinecones, peanut butter (serving as a tasty adhesive), and birdseed. 

·       Painting: The best thing about painting is that the world is your canvas! Paint can turn an ordinary rock into a garden marker, paperweight, or something special to you. It can transform a plain tumbler or jar into a work of art using glass paints or pens and some fairy lights to infuse it with whimsy and create a cozy ambiance. Paint can even revive a boring plant pot into something as beautiful as the flowers it holds.

·       Adult coloring book: Coloring books have grown up, and all you need to enjoy the relaxing meditation of this activity is crayons, colored pencils, or markers. 

·       Homemade bookmarks: Hold your spot with a DIY bookmark made from cardstock or construction paper and the drawing tool of your choice. Then, laminate it for preservation.

Staying Engaged and Active Is Easy at The New Jewish Home

At The New Jewish Home, we’re committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for older adults and empowering them to lead their fullest lives. Art therapy is just one of the engaging services offered through our Adult Day Health Care and short-stay rehabilitation programs, which also includes physical, occupational and speech therapy, medication management, health monitoring, and other supportive services, all in a nurturing setting. 

Contact us today to learn more about how our programs can help you or a loved one remain engaged and thriving, or to explore other ways we support older adults.