Creative hobbies also encourage self-expression, which can improve self-esteem and mood. Many artistic endeavors can reduce stress and promote focus, hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
You don't need to be a gifted artist to take part in a creative hobby. Many activities, such as model building, quilting and paint-by-number, guide you through the process with step-by-step instructions and preset patterns.
The variety of creative pastimes you can try is nearly limitless, with many hobbies acting as a gateway to similar activities. For example, paper crafts can include origami and card making. However, you can also try paper cutting, creating paper flowers, paper quilling, paper mache, decoupage, bookbinding or scrapbooking.
We've seen firsthand the pleasure creative hobbies give our residents here at Bethesda Gardens Monument. We love helping individuals discover a new talent or rekindle a lifelong passion. You'll regularly see art and sewing classes listed in our monthly event calendar for this reason.
We encourage our residents to use the library and computer center to find resources about hobbies they're interested in trying. You can also request a ride to the public library here in Monument, CO, where the staff can help connect you with local clubs.
To help you get started, here are some creative hobbies you might try.
Your assisted living apartment provides a blank slate to decorate. By incorporating mementos and photographs, you can show visitors glimpses of your life. Selecting your decor is an excellent means of self-expression, allowing you to showcase your interests and preferences at the same time.
Interior design magazines are a good source of inspiration, offering clever ways to turn storing awkward items like hats and shoes into another piece of your decor. You can also learn tips from professionals on ways to include themed elements, such as beach souvenirs or sports memorabilia, based on a beloved memory or favorite pastime.
Besides decorating your home with hats, you can also try making or embellishing your own hats to wear. To get started, you only need a basic cloth or straw hat. Tie a scarf or bandana onto it as a hat band.
You can also follow online patterns and tutorials to learn how to make a hat from scratch. Some hats, including a men's flat cap, can be sewn by hand or with a sewing machine. You can create others using a hat block to shape pieces of felt or straw.
Handcrafted buttons are relatively easy to make and offer an interesting way to dress up your wardrobe and flex your creative muscles at the same time.
Wooden buttons, ideal for winter coats, vests or sweaters, can be crafted from small branches or wood scraps using hand or power tools. Woven buttons, based on antiques from England, only require some yarn, a tapestry needle and a bit of cardboard to make a template.
Macrame is fairly easy to learn, and it doesn't require special tools to complete a project. The craft consists of knotting strings to form a textile, which can be decorative or functional.
Plant holders may be the most commonly seen macrame item, but there are many free patterns online for key rings, wall art, belts and jewelry. The diversity of potential projects makes it an ideal craft for seniors looking to make gifts for their loved ones.
The name LEGO is derived from a Danish phrase that means to play well. The iconic bricks aren't limited to being simple toys, however, as individuals of all ages can use them to craft satisfying projects.
Interested seniors can choose to build freestyle or follow detailed instructions in themed kits, featuring things like spaceships, castles and flower bouquets. You can also form electronic robots controlled by remotes.
Kite-flying is a great way to spend a relaxing day outdoors in the fresh air. Since all ages can enjoy it, it's also a good activity to include when planning outings with your grandchildren.
Kites are fairly simple and inexpensive to make, and you can alter their size, shape and decorations. This level of customization lets you create a kite perfectly suited to your taste or that of a loved one.
While some seniors may hesitate to mark up a book, book annotation can help readers connect with the story and themes presented to them by the author. The practice requires you to read and meditate on the book's passages, considering why they're relevant and what message the author is trying to share.
Although it can be a private experience meant to deepen your own understanding of the books you've read, you can also share your thoughts with others through this activity.
Like an intimate letter, the notes you write in your favorite books can be read for years to come. This can help you convey lessons and insights you've gained from the book and your own life to your loved ones, allowing you to give them encouragement and wisdom each time they pick up the book.
