If you have an aging loved one and if you know how to sew, you might create various little gifts for them. Things like pillows, aprons, or a lap blanket. There is every possibility, in fact, your loved one is who taught you to sew. If not, and they haven’t yet learned, it’s not too late. If their physical dexterity allows them the freedom of fine motor skills/movement necessary, you may consider spending some quality time together, teaching them to sew.
Learning how to sew early in life gives you a decided advantage over those who never learned. It can be a great pastime and opens up possibilities such as customizing premade pieces, hand-making gifts, or creating your own outfits from scratch. Yes, throughout your life, the advantages of sewing are many. Let’s look at a few of them, particularly for those in their golden years.
Self Esteem
When a work is completed, you take pride in it. As each project ends, you feel a sense of accomplishment. Self-esteem is improved through sewing. When you’ve sewn something and give it as a gift or show it off to others, you get to enjoy their positive reactions.
Socialization can even be increased through participation in sewing circles. Some people who sew even display their projects at community festivals, local art shows, and more. Don’t know how to sew? If not, attend a class. That’s another opportunity for socialization.
Stress Relief
When you’re concentrating on the sewing machine and the repetitive motions required, you’re living in the moment. You’re more likely to forget about everything else. You may find yourself feeling calmer because it also helps control your breathing. Whereas alcohol and smoking are turned to by some individuals for stress relief, sewing is a far healthier alternative.
Keep Motor Skills Sharp
Through the use of a sewing machine, retirement age adults can help keep their motor skills in check through eye-hand coordination improvement or maintenance. Older adults are less likely to suffer coordination and balance related falls if they engage in some type of physical activity, regardless of that activity. Sewing can also help prevent muscle loss and joint stiffness. What’s more, it can help with healing functions and boost immunity.
Encourage Creativity and Brain Stimulation
Intense coordination is required when stitching fabric by hand or using a sewing machine. This is particularly the case if, for the first time ever, someone is learning how to sew. Creativity is also promoted because sewing requires the following:
- Carefully considering the shape, size, and final result
- Stitch type determination
- Fabric choice
- … and picking the next project
To reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other related diseases, these activities help keep aging brains healthy and active.
Bring Home Sewn Items To Your Relative Or Teach Them How to Sew
Your loved one currently living in our retirement community would probably love to receive handsewn items from you. Actually, any of the residents here probably would. Who doesn’t enjoy receiving something made exclusively for them, by hand, by a loved one? But if they, themselves, know how to sew, all the better. You can see that by the above-stated information. As a hobby, it can be incredibly rewarding. We feature various arts and crafts as just a small part of our activities and events program.
If you would like to find out more about our retirement community, you can call 240-253-6616 with leasing and sales questions. Please talk to a representative at 301-766-0066 for other inquiries. We also have a convenient online form option you can use. Fill it out, send it in, and we will respond.
Your best opportunity to see and experience all we have to offer is to schedule a tour. We look forward to meeting you.
