The act of spinning clay synergizes your body and mind, encouraging you to relax and let go. Pottery is an activity that inspires thoughtfulness, and is one that lets you produce a tangible, beautiful object at the end of it. Pottery for seniors is a popular hobby, and here’s why.
Provides a Creative Outlet
The act of creation grants both physical and mental benefits. Pottery allows you to express yourself in a practice that results in a beautiful object. Making something with your hands helps you relax, and having something you can take home with you serves as a beautiful souvenir of the hours you spent at the wheel.
Improves Your Focus and Reduces Stress
On that note, pottery allows you to destress by distilling your focus into the act of creation. The ability to fully focus on your work helps you relax, and you can carry this ability with you to other aspects of your life.
Increases Positivity
Pottery encourages you to go with the flow and be spontaneous. This helps you with self-expression, which bolsters your self-esteem and confidence and provides an outlet for any negative emotions you may have.
Encourages Creativity
Pottery is a creative practice that encourages you to explore and experiment. As you become comfortable with the process, you nurture a sense of creativity.
Exercises Your Hands, Wrists and Arms
While the act of making pottery is a gentle one, it can also strengthen your hands, wrists and arms. For those with arthritis in your hands, this is helpful as pottery can promote dexterity and joint movement. If you’re looking for another similar activity, we also recommend knitting.
Social Stimulation
While pottery is a great way to nurture your internal self, it can also be a group activity. Group pottery classes provide a place for you to socialize with others while still maintaining a space for silence. In a group pottery class, the atmosphere is often casual and relaxed, leading to easy conversations and bonding. If you’re looking for other group activities, why not check out our Celebrations Activities & Events Program?
Eases Pain
We’ve spoken a lot about how pottery helps reduce stress, but this also has a physical benefit. When you’re stressed out, your tension can sometimes manifest physically. As pottery eases your mental stress, it can also help bring down any physical pain resulting from said stress.
Preserves Memories
Visit most historical museums and you’re bound to see pieces of pottery. Even just a small shard of pottery tells a vivid story of the people who made it and the place they came from. Pottery has the potential to last forever, carrying your stories with it. Even if your artwork just sits at home, however, it accomplishes the same thing: being a beautiful reminder of the time you put into it.
Get Started with Pottery Today
Now that you know the benefits of pottery, why not get started today? Check around your neighborhood to see where you can find pottery classes. Community centers are a great place to start. We hope that you get started on your beautiful pottery journey soon!
