January 11, 2021

Get Crafty With These Senior-Friendly DIY Projects

About Brookdale Senior Living

Brookdale Senior Living offers multiple care levels for seniors in more than 600 communities nationwide. Brookdale helps you find the right care plan for yourself or your loved one. With amenities such as transportation services, salons and private dining rooms and activities such as gardening, fitness classes and trivia nights Brookdale caters to a wide range of interests and needs.

Need a break in the day from your usual routine? It may seem simple, but craft-making is a great way to enjoy some solo time or connect with friends. Not only is crafting fun, but it can also be great for your mind and body. A 2020 research study found that conceptual art may help the aging brain with cognitive abilities.

Need some inspiration? Here are five craft ideas to help boost your mood and get your mind flowing.

Build a Beautiful Birdhouse

Seeing a bird outside your window can give you a small dose of joy and happiness. So why not give birds even more of an excuse to say “hi” each morning? As many as 30 bird species are attracted to birdhouses (also known as cavity nesters). Some of these species include bluebirds, purple martins, house wrens, chickadees, tree swallows and house sparrows.

Building a birdhouse may sound like a big task, but you can purchase a kit to make it easier and more affordable. Once you’ve got your basic construction done, customize your birdhouse with paint, glitter and other accessories.

If building a birdhouse isn’t up your alley, consider getting a hummingbird feeder and giving your tiny visitors a sweet nectar treat. We also recommend birdwatching as a fun activity whether you’re an enthusiast or a newbie.

Color Inside (or Outside!) the Lines

Coloring books are no longer just for kids (though they’re a great multigenerational bonding activity!) Taking time to rest your brain and bring black and white pages to life can create a sense of calm. A 2019 study found that coloring books may help reduce anxiety, boost creativity and improve mindfulness.

No matter what your favorite theme is, there’s a coloring book for everyone. There are even some coloring books specifically designed for low vision, which include large shapes and bold lines. Whether you love flowers, mandalas or springtime, there’s a coloring book for you.

Preserve Memories with Scrapbooking

It’s only relatively recently our phones and computers have started capturing and collecting our photos by the hundreds. Many people over the age of 20 have shoeboxes full of photographs. So what to do with all those memories?

Creating a scrapbook is a great way to preserve memories to pass down to generations. Here are some great scrapbooking tips to help you get started.

Get Tight Knit

During the colder months, it is a good time to grab needles and yarn and start knitting a scarf, sweater or blanket. Knitting can be a calming pastime, but it can also help aid in improving cognitive ability, and ward off depression and dementia. For those who may be suffering from arthritis, here’s a list of some of the best needles to use.

Knitting is also a special way to connect with a loved one. During the holidays, there is nothing more special than gifting a family member with a homemade knitted scarf or accessory.

Paint on a Variety of Canvases

Painting is a peaceful pastime that can help you be more mindful of your surroundings. A study of retirees demonstrated that taking part in artistic activities such as painting connected folks to nature and helped them develop new skills. And all you need to get started is paint, a paintbrush, and a canvas. Also, remember that there are many “canvases” that can use a beautiful design, such as pottery, tiles, t-shirts and picture frames.

Spending time creating artwork and crafting is the perfect way to do what you love and get outside of your routine. If you’re interested in other ways to stay busy, here are our tips for creative ways to stay occupied and connect with loved ones.