The Facts Behind Why Crafting is Beneficial for Those 60+

Crafting isn’t just a fun pastime—it’s a deeply enriching activity that supports the emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of senior citizens. Whether it’s knitting, woodworking, painting, or making handmade cards, creative projects offer a sense of purpose, stimulate the mind, and foster meaningful connections with others. For many older adults, crafting becomes a joyful outlet that reduces stress, sparks imagination, and keeps hands and hearts busy in all the best ways.

Like we mentioned in a recent blog post, some proven facts mature adults can benefit from keeping their hands and minds busy with mixed media projects.

Why Crafting Is Beneficial for Senior Citizens

(Evidence-based; includes statistics + citations)

1. Cognitive Benefits

Improves Memory & Thinking Skills

A study of adults 65+ showed that participation in arts & crafts programs significantly improved cognitive function.
- MMSE-K scores improved from ~24 to ~26 in the intervention group.
  Source: Kim, 2017 – The effects of a combined physical activity, recreation, and art and craft program on ADL, cognition, and depression in the elderly.

Stimulates the Brain

Crafting requires planning, decision-making, and problem-solving—activities proven to help maintain cognitive abilities in older adults.
Source: CDC & National Institute on Aging (general cognitive health guidance).

2. Emotional & Mental Health Benefits

Reduces Depression & Improves Mood

In the Kim (2017) study, seniors in an arts & crafts program showed a significant decrease in depression scores, compared with no change in the control group.

Enhances Sense of Purpose

Creative activities improve morale, boost self-esteem, and offer a sense of accomplishment.
Source: Review article, Cohen et al., 2006 – The Impact of Professionally Conducted Cultural Programs on Older Adults.

3. Physical Benefits

Supports Fine Motor Skills & Hand-Eye Coordination

Hand-based crafts such as knitting, clay work, and painting help maintain dexterity and strengthen fine motor function.
Source: Wickshire Senior Living – 5 Benefits of Arts and Crafts for Seniors.

May Reduce Risk of Falls

Older adults participating in structured arts programs had fewer falls than those who did not.
Source: Cohen et al., 2006.

4. Social & Community Benefits

Lowers Loneliness & Social Isolation

Participatory arts programs help reduce loneliness and increase social connections—major predictors of health outcomes in older adults.
Source: Multiple studies summarized in the 2014 review: Participatory Arts for Older Adults: A Review of Benefits and Evidence.

Builds Friendships & Social Engagement

Group crafting provides a relaxed environment where seniors can talk, laugh, and build supportive friendships.

5. Health & Wellness Benefits

Fewer Doctor Visits & Better Overall Health

Seniors involved in ongoing group arts programs reported:
- Fewer doctor visits
- Better overall physical health
- Improved mental well-being
  Source: Cohen et al., 2006.

Stress Reduction

Crafting has effects similar to meditation—lowering stress hormones and increasing feelings of calm.
Source: American Journal of Public Health (2010 review on arts & health).

Cognitive Benefits

Improves memory and thinking skills.
A study of adults 65+ showed that seniors in an arts & crafts program had significant cognitive improvement (MMSE-K scores increased from ~24 to ~26).
Source: Kim, 2017.
Stimulates the brain.
Crafting activates planning, problem-solving, and creativity—key activities for maintaining cognitive health.
Source: National Institute on Aging.

Emotional & Mental Health Benefits

Reduces depression and boosts mood.
Seniors participating in structured art/craft programs saw significant decreases in depression compared to non-participants.
Source: Kim, 2017.
Increases purpose and self-esteem.
Completing creative projects fosters a sense of accomplishment and personal pride.
Source: Cohen et al., 2006.

Physical Benefits

Supports fine motor skills.
Knitting, painting, clay work, and beading help maintain dexterity, strength, and hand-eye coordination.
Source: Wickshire Senior Living.
May reduce fall risk.
Seniors in ongoing arts programs experienced fewer falls and reported better overall health.
Source: Cohen et al., 2006.

Social & Community Benefits

Reduces loneliness.
Participatory arts foster connection, conversation, and friendship—key predictors of improved senior well-being.
Source: “Participatory Arts for Older Adults,” 2014.
Builds community.
Craft groups provide friendship, routine, laughter, and shared creativity.