Knitting is enjoying a surge in popularity amongst both seniors and the people who take care of them, who often find they both can benefit from this underrated act of creativity. Knitting has been shown to lower both stress hormones like cortisol and overall blood pressure. It also is a fairly rare example of an activity vigorous enough to exercise and strengthen joints but not vigorous enough to strain arthritic ones. As an activity that requires thought, movement and frequently a social element, knitting also helps fight cognitive decline.
Key Takeaways:
- 8 out of 10 people with depression who knit claim that it helps life their mood.
- Knitting also boosts one’s physical health, helping lower blood pressure, strengthening your heart and holding off arthritis.
- Additionally, knitting has also been found to decelerate mental decline in its participants.
“One reason for knitting’s newfound popularity is its impact on knitters’ well-being. Younger knitters have discovered that yarn and needles are the perfect pick-me-up — something older knitters have known for years.”