Helpful products for craft activities

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Craft activities are very popular among people of all ages. From 2021 to 2022, 32% of adults took part in at least one art or craft activity.

Image of an older woman knitting outside, standing in front of a colourfully painted wall.

Doing craft activities and other creative hobbies has many benefits:

You can maintain traditional skills or skills you have learned from past generations.
It can be an opportunity for self-expression and creativity.
The actual ‘doing’ of a craft activity can improve your mental health.
Craft can give you a sense of achievement, enjoyment, and fun!

You could choose to make practical items like blankets or clothing for you, your family, or for charity. Handmade gifts are a great way to connect with your loved ones.

Craft for your mental health

Doing craft activities can help you improve your mental health. Craft activities can:

Help achieve mindfulness, concentration, and relaxation
Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
Give you a sense of purpose and a goal to move towards (the end product)

Craft for your physical health

Doing craft activities can also benefit your physical health. Craft activities can:

Help you improve your finger dexterity, grip strength, and hand coordination
Help improve your concentration and memory
Help you improve your planning and sequencing skills
Give you a reason to get out and about in the community to buy those craft supplies or maybe join a crafting club with others

Craft to stay connected

Learn a new skill through adult education centres or the University of the Third Age.
Local craft stores often offer classes or groups to meet others or learn a new craft skill.
Check through your council for local craft meet-ups and coffee mornings.
Some travel organisations offer weekend getaways or travel tours for specific craft activities.

Charities seeking handmade items

Knit One, Give One (KOGO)
Knit4Charities has a Project Calendar of monthly and ongoing challenges. Each challenge lists different community groups looking for knitted products.
Australian Red Cross trauma teddies

Assistive products for craft activities

As you get older, you may find it more difficult to continue with craft activities. This can be because of an injury or health condition, changes to eyesight, or general aches and pains.

There are many products available to help you keep doing the craft activities that you enjoy.

For example:

An occupational therapist can help

An occupational therapist (OT) can help you adapt tasks and find products to help you keep crafting. An OT can help with suggestions to protect your joints and manage any pain you may have. Visit Occupational Therapy Australia to find a practitioner in your local area.

More helpful information

If you need more information, take the LiveUp quiz or get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971.

Learn more about the health benefits of art.

Here are some more links that may be useful:

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2023, April). Cultural and creative activities. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/cultural-and-creative-activities/2021-22

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

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You can print out the PDF and stick it to your fridge or file away the tips to revisit at a later time.

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Why should you engage with art as you age? | LiveUp

Explore the health benefits of engaging in art activities as you age. Discover how creating art can improve your mental health and social connections.