Arts and Crafts - The Unsung Medicines

Arts and Crafts are truly the unsung medicines as they continue to encourage mental acuity and manual dexterity. Being involved in familiar hobbies or learning new ones stimulates the mind and body to stay in the game of life and to be self-sufficient as long as possible. The following pastimes are old and familiar, but don't let that stop you from finding new and innovative ways to keep busy. An idle mind tends to turn inward toward depression and influence morale and negative attitudes. Use your imagination.

Crochet is handwork done with a crochet hook and yarn or thread. It is a popular pastime by many women and a few men. It is good exercise and therapy for the hands where arthritis or stiffness is a problem. It promotes hand and eye coordination. Afghans, garments, tablecloths, trivet pads, ornaments, and baby items are just a few of the items made with crochet stitches.

Knitting is handwork done with at least two knitting needles or a circular needle and yarn or thread. It is also a popular pastime for many women and a few men. Also good hand exercise. Afghans, garments, etc.

Macrame is handwork of tying knots with thread or yarn. It was very popular a few years back and is a challenge to men and women. Plant hangers and ornaments, nets, etc. make up popular items.

Scrap-booking is creating a book with all the photographs that have been collecting around the house forever. Surprises all around when you look back at some of the old photos. You can even add captions. Scrap-booking doesn't have to be just photos, you can add those special items, dried flowers, pieces of old quilts, and things that meant something over the years. Keep memories alive.

For those who have been active painters, sculptors, woodworkers or other special arts and crafts, stay involved and help others appreciate the talent as long as it is safe to do so.

Idle hands may be the devil's workshop, but idle minds in the elderly rob the vitality of life.What they create may become a family keepsake.

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