Senior Living 101: Brain Building

 

Image via congerdesign of Pixabay

Have yarn–will travel!

There’s a certain satisfaction when your instincts actually prove to be right. One of the things that seemed essential, when I left my previous home, was to make sure I packed my plentiful supply of yarn for knitting and crocheting. Somehow just knowing those beautiful, soft and colourful wool balls were with me no matter what happened, was comforting during a stressful time.

It wasn’t just the sight of them. It was the winding around my fingers as I manipulated threads and turned them into complex creations. It was the peace in my mind as my brain sought out unfamiliar patterns, and quietly achieved success in interpreting them.

Yarn creators…they’re everywhere!

My passionate love for knitting and crocheting inspired me to seek others with similar feelings online. Surprise! There have been studies on this topic. There are get-togethers known as knit-ins where knitters and others gather to enjoy the process. 

True to my own limited personal study, neuroscientists have found that knitting “activates areas of the brain that are good for generating a sense of calm, (and contribute to) improved emotional processing and better decision making”.

A knit-in gathering

In a survey of 3,545 knitters worldwide, respondents who knitted for relaxation, stress relief and creativity reported higher cognitive functioning, improved social contact and communication with others. 

It doesn’t have to be folks who know how to knit. Just handling the fibres seems to help people be happier. One of my important yarn helpers here is Betty, who complains about my inability to keep my yarns in neat order, but thrives as she untangles my messes and restores the balls to something easier to use! 

Workshops worldwide  have been held for preschoolers, retirees and sufferers of dementia and depression. Participants have included students, library and mental health service patrons, university staff and scientists, with expert guests ranging from dementia carers and mental health workers to neuroscientists and university researchers.

Working with yarn, because of  its mental challenges, social connection, (meeting with others) and mindfulness, helps keep brains fit by solving creative and mental challenges, developing eye-hand coordination and fine motor dexterity and increasing attention span.

Don’t be content to be a “used to” 

There are neural studies using yarn to show interested knit-in participants how actual brain neutrons work, by making their own interpretations of neurons. In this post we won’t go there, but we will know with certainty that when we interact with fibres we are alerting our brains to wake up and move with intent to learn.

Living in an independent retirement home gives wonderful creative opportunities for increasing your brain power and excitement in each day of life. Knitting and crocheting provide endless scope for fun and imagination, both crucial for brain building.

We have a comfy living room in my independent living facility home. There’s a well-stocked library in addition to several chairs. There are ornaments and flowers: a piano for music, a barista machine, and all-day pastries supplied by our incredible kitchen staff. 

People chat together. It’s nice. But somehow I feel there’s still something lacking. I’ve always enjoyed keeping my hands busy, and continue to take my knitting and crochet projects with me whenever I feel like company in the downstairs room.

My friends admire my work. I ask them whether they do any crochet or knitting, and most times the reply is they “used” to do it. Thy report making  all kinds of items for family and friends. You see the momentary tenderness as they remember. Then my big question is, “so why don’t you do it now?”

I’m still waiting for a satisfactory answer to that one. With most, it’s a deep sigh, and possibly another dug up memory. 

There was a very active knitting and crocheting community where I lived before moving here. It was vibrant and fun at the library where we worked. We tackled all kinds of interesting projects. I even made a video of elderly hands in amazing action.

WarnerWords: Beautiful Hands

I am so determined not to be a “used to” crochet and knitter here in my new home. As older folks for the most part, this is now our season to impart our knitting and crochet skills to others who can carry on with them.

Upgrades

Renovations are happening soon on this side of the building, so there is a shortage of my own plants. But lucky us, there is a beautiful little park next door that can be walked any time, and is so available. It is carefully tended by expert city staff.

It’s amazing to have this extra garden always available.

Images via VickiW

Thank you!

Your journey with me is always appreciated! I look forward to your interaction and suggestions in the comment section and hope you'll visit again soon!

VickiW