Joining a local knitting club could be one of the best things your senior family member does for his or her health. These groups provide a positive, relaxed social atmosphere and plenty of opportunity to exercise the hands and the brain. Following are five reasons aging adults should start looking for a knitting club to join right now.
1. Beat the Blues
Loneliness, depression, and anxiety are all too common among seniors. These emotions are especially problematic for seniors who spend the majority of their time living in isolation. People who join these groups share the common love of crafting and are often eager to make new friends. This creates an easygoing environment that helps aging adults socialize, regardless of how introverted they may be.
Knitting with friends is one of the many ways seniors can socialize. For families living in Orlando, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
2. Preserve Fine Motor Coordination
Knitting is great for preserving fine motor coordination. As participants work their way through projects, they’ll be getting regular conditioning for their hands and fingers. The complex movements that crocheting and knitting require can lead to increased dexterity and skill.
Seniors with limited dexterity due to arthritis or other health conditions often need assistance with daily activities. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, medication reminders, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Orlando families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
3. Protect Cognitive Function
Knitting is also a good hobby for preserving cognitive function. Studies have shown this activity actually promotes the development of new neural pathways. Moreover, the addition of a stimulating environment can enhance the complexity of the brain and bolster these new neural connections.
4. Relieve Stress
Knitting is a very cathartic activity and can be the perfect form of stress relief, especially for aging adults who experience chronic anxiety when left alone. While group members come together to talk about their projects and show off their finished works, there are also times when people simply sit and practice their crafts. This allows seniors to enter a peaceful, restful state that has both psychological and physiological benefits.
5. Regain a Sense of Value & Purpose
Seniors often experience feelings of low self-worth after they’ve left the traditional workforce. Belonging to a group that’s dedicated to making new things can give seniors a renewed sense of purpose. This is especially true when knitting clubs are committed to donating their completed works to local charities and hospitals.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Specialists today.
