Colouring has made a comeback! No longer seen only as a children’s activity, colouring for adults and seniors is steadily growing in popularity, and for good reason. Here are six benefits of colouring for seniors.
1. COLOURING AS A SOCIAL ACTIVITY
Colouring is a fabulous group activity and a great means of finding social fulfilment. Whether participating in a group dedicated to colouring or enjoying it with grandchildren, this simple activity brings people of all ages and backgrounds together. And what fun to share finished pictures with each other!
2. RELIEVE STRESS WITH A GOOD COLOURING BOOK
Sitting down with a good book is a great way to relax. But sitting down with a good colouring book can be just as rejuvenating. The repetition, the colours and the ease of the activity makes colouring a great way to relax and take a few minutes to recollect when things get stressful.
3. COLOURING AS AN OUTLET FOR CREATIVE MINDS
Colouring is a great creative outlet for those looking to express their artistic abilities. With a multitude of colour combinations, the choice of designs-anything from animals to landscapes to portraits-and the freedom to choose how detailed to make the picture, colouring offers a way to engage with the creative process. For seniors who may not have access to many activities due to health or mobility issues, colouring is a great choice.
4. COLOURING CAN PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING FOR SENIORS
With health as a main priority for seniors, colouring can promote healthy living. Benefits include help with dexterity, concentration and problem-solving skills and partaking of this simple activity helps engage the mind in a creative and natural way.
5. COLOURING CAN REDUCE THE STRESS OF DEMENTIA
For seniors struggling with dementia, colouring can help ease the agitation that often accompanies it. Colouring is not reliant on memory nor does it require any specific steps or processes. The freedom to colour as one pleases can help to lessen the stressful sides of dementia and open up a new avenue of self-expression. Karen Tyrell of Personalized Dementia Solutions Inc.in Vancouver has developed a therapeutic colouring book that connects those living with dementia and their caregivers in a shared activity.
6. TAKE COLOURING ANYWHERE, ANYTIME
And one great benefit of colouring is that you can do it anywhere. For seniors whose mobility may be limited, colouring can still be enjoyed no matter the environment or circumstance. And for the tech-savvy senior, colouring applications are readily available for cell phones and tablets and easily customizable. With the ability to enhance size and definition for easier viewing, it’s a great alternative to paper for seniors with decreasing vision. Colouring provides limitless enjoyment, independent of mobility or access.
So grab a colouring book, some pencils and a friend or two, and discover the simple, yet abundant joys of colouring.
By Rhianna Lynn
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