There is a general opinion that arts and crafts are meant only for the young. However this is just not true. Arts and crafts can have significant benefits to a person in old age. People who have retired have more free time to discover hidden talents and spend time perfecting their skills.
As well as the obvious benefit of relieving boredom and sparking new interest, arts and crafts have significant benefits in keeping the mind engaged and the sensory organs in good condition. They provide the coordination in different parts of the body by stimulating the electrical impulses in the brain.
Activities like playing music, acrylic painting, drawing sketches, etc. Are ideal for raising concentration levels and keeping an ability to work in tact. Making and designing jewellery can be a source of fun as well as bringing out creativity. Reading and writing is another good pastime, helping the elderly to brush up and update knowledge. Scrap booking can be a great reminiscing tool and lead to many interesting discussions and bring back happy memories.
Creating decorative items such as beads, pins, pens, bowls and pencil holders from polymer clay are very enjoyable to make. But apart from the satisfaction of having done something creative and nice, these crafts will give sufficient exercise to the hands and fingers.
Gardening is also a great activity to take up whether working for long hours in the garden appeals or simply doing some planting or weeding in a raised bed or at a table inside.
Gardening can be extremely rewarding once plants or vegetables have grown.
Trying to continue to pursue hobbies previously enjoyed, in whatever capacity, with as much help required, can be very rewarding and help maintain independence.
New hobbies can give a new lease of life and help the elderly stay young at heart.
So here at Ashmere we want to make the most of our facilities to keep our residents young at heart by joining our clubs!
Each week in our homes we run arts and crafts club for those who want to get crafty and learn new skills. Many of our homes now benefit from an activity room where lots of equipment is available for our residents to go in and use at any time.
Gardening club is enjoyed by residents, potting plants, weeding in raised beds and watering the garden all help our residents enjoy the outdoors, keep active and enjoy the rewarding experience of watching their garden grow.
Swimming club sees our residents visit our fantastic Ashmere centralised facilities based at our Sutton in Ashfield site in Nottinghamshire. This fantastic pool is fully equipped for our residents use with hoists and floats. There is a hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi and sauna all for the residents enjoyment.
Cookery club helps our residents keep old cooking and baking skills alive. Residents regularly take part in making cakes and topping pizzas. Residents also share family recipes so our cooks can make their dish for everyone to enjoy. We also host restaurant evenings where the dining rooms are made to look just like a restaurant. Residents invite their families along and staff waiter the tables with the cooks menu. This benefits residents who are unable to go out for a meal but still enjoy doing so.
Computer club lets our residents learn new skills on our fantastic touch screen computers. Send emails to grand children, receive photographs, look up information or shop online. The possibilities are endless. Vistit our Get Connected page to read more!
Whatever your interests there is something for everyone here at Ashmere. Our well trained staff are always on hand to assist our residents to take part in the many activities on offer.