At first glance, knitting looks complicated. However, it only takes learning a few basic stitches to be able to create beautiful and useful projects such as scarves and hats. Whether seniors enjoy knitting every day or just when the urge strikes, they can enjoy these six benefits of working with needles and yarn.
1. Gain a Sense of Purpose
Seniors sometimes feel as though they no longer have anything to contribute to the community. However, knitting projects can turn into great charitable contributions. From knitting hats for newborns to creating blankets to distribute to people displaced by natural disasters, seniors can turn this hobby into a fun way to give to others.
2. Increase Motor Control
There are many health conditions that interfere with a senior’s motor control, such as Parkinson’s disease. Learning to knit helps seniors develop the muscle memory they need to maintain steady hands. Working the hand muscles helps seniors retain the control they need to do other tasks, such as chopping vegetables.
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, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of in-home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
3. Boost Heart Health
Stress during the senior years can cause damage to the heart. This is because an increased heart rate and high blood pressure contribute to cardiovascular disease. The relaxation experienced while knitting lowers blood pressure and increases circulation.
4. Spark New Friendships
After retirement, seniors sometimes have difficulty making connections with new people. Knitting instantly gives seniors something to talk about, and there are even knitting groups seniors can join in many communities. Having a shared love of crafting allows seniors to reach out to new friends with confidence.
Knitting with friends and family members is one of the many ways seniors can socialize. For families living in Rocklin, 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 Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
5. Enhance Memory & Reasoning
Knitting patterns tend to involve a lot of repetition that allows seniors to eventually memorize portions of the projects. As they work row by row, they can enhance the neural connections in the brain responsible for retaining memories. It’s also common for a senior to occasionally hit a snag in a project, such as a dropped stitch. When this happens, problem-solving skills kick in, increasing the ability to use reason.
6. Enjoy a Portable Way to Relax
Medical appointments and other stressful events are frequently on a senior’s agenda. These types of situations also involve a great deal of waiting around. Knitting projects slip easily into a caregiver’s tote bag, and most projects can be put down and picked back up again whenever a senior feels the urge to knit. This makes it the perfect hobby to bring along anytime seniors know they have time to pass and need to stay relaxed.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Rocklin, CA, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. To talk to one of our friendly Care Managers and create a customized senior care plan, call us at (916) 226-3737.