Summer is a perfect time for seniors. It’s a chance to explore creative activities that engage the mind. And with warmer weather and sunnier days, fun projects make this season even more enjoyable and give plenty of opportunities to spend time with others!
Arts and crafts offer seniors a way to relax, express themselves, and stay mentally and physically sharp. Whether it’s painting, sculpting, or knitting, crafting can add joy and purpose to everyday life. For seniors looking for new ways to spend their time, summer crafts can be so rewarding!
The Benefits of Arts & Crafts for Seniors
For older adults, crafting brings plenty of benefits. These simple activities are an incredible way to boost well-being and quality of life. And even better—they’re simply a fun way to spend an afternoon! Crafts offer benefits such as:
- Improving hand-eye coordination
- Enhancing cognitive function
- Reducing stress and promoting relaxation
- Encouraging creativity and self-expression
- Building a sense of accomplishment and pride
This can be incredible for a person’s health.
Senior-Friendly Craft Ideas for the Summer
Summer is brimming with possibilities for interactive, enjoyable crafts. These can all be done alone or in a group. With crafts like these, older adults can spend their time doing activities they love with the people they care about.
Clay Sculpting
Shaping and molding clay allows seniors to stretch their creativity while improving dexterity. They can make small figurines, bowls, or even garden ornaments. Sculpting with clay offers a tactile activity that stimulates the senses, which can be helpful for older adults.
Watercolor Painting
This gentle, relaxing craft lets seniors create art inspired by summer landscapes. Flowers, beautiful sunsets, nature scenes—there are plenty of options. This is a fantastic way to express oneself, and painting even offers therapeutic benefits for older adults.
Bead Jewelry
Stringing beads into necklaces or bracelets is a fun way to create personalized gifts. It’s an ideal group activity for fostering social connections. This also helps older adults maintain their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. There are plenty of online tutorials for older adults looking to try jewelry making, making this an accessible and straightforward activity.
Knitting Projects
Knitting scarves, dishcloths, or lightweight shawls keeps hands active while producing practical and comforting items. This soothing craft promotes fine motor skills, reduces stress, and provides a fulfilling sense of accomplishment. Knitting is also a wonderful way for seniors to socialize in group settings or enjoy quiet moments alone.
Paper Crafting
Paper crafting is a versatile and budget-friendly activity that offers endless possibilities. To begin, all a person needs is paper, scissors, and a bit of creativity. Paper crafting can involve making cards, scrapbooking, origami, and more.
One significant aspect of paper crafting is that it promotes cognitive abilities. It involves following instructions, planning and organizing ideas, and hand-eye coordination. This can be a therapeutic outlet for them to express themselves and relieve stress.
DIY Bird Feeders
For a unique project, older adults can try making DIY bird feeders. With simple materials, they can create their own feeders to attract birds to their backyard or balcony. This activity involves fine motor skills and creativity, which can help with dexterity and cognitive function.
Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is a popular craft that involves organizing photos, memorabilia, and decorative elements into a themed album. For older adults, this activity can be a way to reminisce about past memories. Meanwhile, it’s a way to exercise creative skills.
Crafting in Senior Living
Sometimes, a good way to enjoy summertime is by surrounding oneself with like-minded people at a similar point in life. If you or a loved one is looking for new ways to spend time, a move to senior living can make a significant difference.
Senior living communities are positioned to support older adults. These communities offer all kinds of programs, like hobby groups and planned workshops. This way, residents can enjoy learning new skills while practicing their favorite hobbies.
Meanwhile, senior living communities like ours offer a wide range of convenient amenities, events, and experiences. There are plenty of options for older adults, making it easier than ever to bond with the people around you while enjoying your favorite activities.
A Creative Lifestyle Is Within Reach
Crafts are a wonderful way to spend the summer. These activities open so many doors to joy, self-expression, and connection. No matter the season, crafting can be a rewarding option that brings all kinds of benefits to older adults, no matter where they live.
Here in our community at The Bridges at Bent Creek, we love offering new programs and workshops to residents. Retirement should be about spending time doing the things you love, and we’re here to help every resident live the life they love. Schedule a visit with our team today—a life of joy and creativity could be waiting for you!
