Arts and Crafts for Seniors Need to Take Physical Considerations into Mind

Arts and crafts for seniors often present unique challenges. Arthritis and poor vision are just some of the physical pains that challenge seniors’ ability to enjoy needlepoint, woodworking, and other traditional crafts.

Despite these ailments, however, there are still many arts and crafts that seniors can try their hands at.

FOAM MAGNET FRIENDS
Supplies: Sheets of foam (various colors)
Scissors
Permanent marker
Double-sided tape
Magnet

Seniors often prefer the flexibility of foam sheets rather than paper. The foam is easier to cut into, does not wrinkle, and is easier on scissors and ailing hands. Cut out shapes to create legs, arms, and head of a person or animal. Draw on facial expression with marker, if desired. Tape parts together and adhere to magnet.

GLITTERDOMES
Supplies:
Baby food jar
Glitter (1 tablespoon per inch of jar)
Shells
Plastic figure (optional)
Superglue
Ribbon

Volunteers or family members can glue the plastic figure onto the lid of the jar, if needed. Seniors fill jar with glitter and shells and add water (leave Ã?½” space). Place a bead of glue around the jar and adhere the lid. Finish with ribbon tied around the lid.

SPONGE-PAINTED STATIONARY
Supplies:
Blank cards or paper
Blank envelopes
Sponges
Paint (various colors)

Sponges are much easier for seniors to grasp than traditional paintbrushes. Lightly dip sponge into paint and paint card. For a real contrast in colors, allow paint to dry between colors. Seniors can then use the stationary to write letters or send cards.

RAG WREATH
Supplies:
Metal coat hanger
9″ strips of fabric

Rag wreaths are easy crafts that, with the right coordination of fabric, are a very pretty project – use up old t-shirts or leftovers from sewing projects. The large strips make this craft easy on seniors’ hands. Shape metal hanger into a circle, tie strips of fabric around hanger under totally covered.

FLOWER ARRANGING
Supplies:
Small basket
Small pieces of floral foam
Flowers
Scissors

Florists often receive new stock on Wednesday; see if they will donate their leftovers from the week for this craft project. Dampen foam and place in basket. Put longest-stems flowers in the center and work out with shorter flowers. Use scissors as needed to accommodate stem lengths. Use greenery to complete the look. Silk flowers could also be used.