Assistive technology for craft

Here's how crafting can help you socialise:

• You can learn a new crafting 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.

The Shorehaven Yarners: a crafting community

3 easy craft ideas for older people

Here are 3 popular and simple craft activities for older adults. It's possible to start these hobbies without spending a lot of money on equipment or materials.

1. Card-making and scrapbooking

Create your own sentimental keepsakes and gifts!

You'll just need some inexpensive supplies such as paper, tissue paper, card, scissors, and paper glue.

You can also enhance your homemade greeting cards or scrapbooks with assorted adornments. These could be anything from beads and ribbons to fabric scraps and other beautiful things.

Tool tip

Some large-handled scissors may be useful if you feel pain in your hands when using small tools.

2. Object painting

If you want to start painting but don't know what to do with a blank canvas, you may enjoy painting rocks or other small objects. With acrylic paints, you can paint small, clean stones or other items like terracotta pots for your garden.

You can use super glue to attach little rocks to each other, to create all sorts of wonderful shapes for painting. These can be used as decorations or paperweights. You can also make some to be left in public places to brighten someone's day.

Tool tip

A multi-purpose grip tool might help you to grip a paintbrush with greater comfort and ease.

3. Knitting and crocheting

For knitting, all you need is yarn and knitting needles. You can start with an easier task, like knitting a scarf, and move onto the harder projects as your skills develop.

Crocheting is like knitting but uses a hook rather than needles.

Tool tips

Needles and hooks can come in larger sizes or ergonomic shapes, to make crafting easier on your hands.

Here are some examples of ergonomic knitting tools:

• Large knitting needles

• Adaptive crochet needles

• Needle and yarn threaders

Bonus tips

Here are some charities you can donate your handmade items to:

• 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

More assistive technology for craft

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.

Here are some other products that could help you keep doing the craft activities that you enjoy:

• Magnifiers with built-in LED lights so you can see your project clearly
• Ergonomic, soft grip craft tools that are comfortable to hold for longer periods
• Stitch counters to help you keep track of stitches or rows for yarn crafts
• Chart holders and magnetic boards to keep your patterns in place while you work
• Tools designed for cutting threads and fabrics, such as a thread snips or rotary cutters (see how to use a rotary cutter)
• Lap stands and hoop stands to hold your project while you work
• Hand and wrist supports, such as gel rest pads (please note, it’s best to speak with an allied health professional before using a hand or wrist brace)

Getting support

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.

Find an OT near you through Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA).  

Can’t find an OT in your area through OTA? You can also check Healthdirect’s tool for finding an OT by location.  

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

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

Mashinchi, G. M., McFarland, C. P., Hall, S., Strongin, D. L., Williams, G. A., & Cotter, K. A. (2023). Handicraft art leisure activities and cognitive reserve. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 38(3), 683–714. https://doi.org/10.1080/13854046.2023.2253993 

Fancourt, D., & Finn, S. (2023). The role of arts engagement in reducing cognitive decline and improving quality of life in healthy older people: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1232357. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1232357

How to use this information

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.