With so many health benefits linked to knitting, the elderly should consider picking up this relatively simple hobby or finding their way to use knitting needles and yarn. The positive impact on your physical and mental health and even the psychological and emotional aspects of your life will be well worth it! Plus, if you enjoy knitting as much as the next person, then you’ll definitely find that you’re never too old to pick up this hobby! It’s time to take back control of your life by learning more about this enjoyable skill today. Here are some amazing things knitting can do for you when you’re in your golden years.
Knitting Reduces Stress
It’s not surprising that one of the biggest benefits associated with knitting is stress reduction. While many different forms of therapy can be helpful to combat stress, very few come without any kind of cost. In this sense, you should always consider knitting as a possible method of relaxation. Whether you’re hoping to craft your own clothing or simply hoping to unwind at night after a stressful day, there are countless reasons why knitting should be utilized regularly.
Knitting Boosts Heart Health
According to researchers at Ohio State University, knitting can significantly decrease stress, improve heart health and increase mental clarity. Although similar findings have been found in multiple studies, it’s still not clear why they occur. One of the theories is that knitting gives individuals something else to think about besides their health issues or what is on TV. If you’re an older adult dealing with these issues, try breaking out your knitting needles—it just might do you some good!
Knitting Helps Fight Arthritis
The repetitive motion of knitting can have positive effects on people living with arthritis. This is especially true for people with osteoarthritis. In a study published in 2013 in Arthritis Care & Research, researchers found that many older adults benefit from knitting to relieve arthritis symptoms. Seventy-five percent of those who tried knitting experienced some relief. Their pain was reduced by 30 percent, and they needed fewer painkillers than before. They also enjoyed better sleep quality and increased mobility with just one month of knitting therapy! You can put your newfound knowledge to good use by making blankets or scarves for local charities that serve the elderly, like senior centers or libraries. Talk about feeling good about your contribution!
Knitting Prevents Cognitive Decline
While knitting may not be as cool as rock ‘n’ roll, it might just help you think clearer, stay focused and even prevent dementia. Multiple studies have shown that older people who are skilled at needlework often have sharper cognitive function than those who aren’t—and knitting appears to work just as well as other methods of handiwork. One study found that senior citizens with poor manual dexterity were able to regain control over fine motor skills through knitting or crocheting. Another study found that women who sat for four hours a day doing non-strenuous needlework had less cognitive decline than those who didn’t work with their hands, while another test linked handcrafting to better memory in older people. Plus, practicing fine motor skills can lead to greater functionality later in life.
