Staying healthy is about more than just physical activity—it’s also about finding meaningful ways to stay engaged, calm, and connected. For many seniors, knitting and crocheting offer just that. These timeless fibre arts provide comfort, joy, and purpose, whether shared in the community or enjoyed quietly at home.

Why Knitting & Crocheting Are Ideal for Seniors

These crafts support physical, emotional, and intellectual wellness—three key elements of healthy aging. They’re gentle, social, and adaptable for many ability levels.

1.  They Help Keep the Brain Sharp 

A neuropsychiatry study found that hobbies like knitting and crocheting may reduce the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment by 30–50%. These hobbies require pattern recognition, planning, counting, and creativity, all of which exercise the brain and strengthen memory pathways.

2. They Support Mobility & Fine Motor Skills

The steady, repetitive movements involved help improve dexterity, grip strength, and hand-eye coordination. Even small projects can help keep hands nimble. Larger hooks/needles and thicker yarn make crocheting and knitting accessible for those with arthritis or limited hand strength.

3. They Promote Calm & Reduce Stress

Both crafts have a natural rhythm that can feel meditative. Many people experience lower stress, steady breathing, and a sense of peace while working. And there’s a real spark of joy in watching something useful and beautiful take shape.

4. They Add Meaningful Structure to the Day

Having a project on the go offers gentle routine and purpose. And yarn crafts are perfect for sharing. These crafts become more than hobbies—they become ways to share comfort and care.

5. They Build Connection & Community

Knitting and crocheting are wonderful social activities. Within Bria Communities, resident groups gather to create, chat, and support one another.

• The knitting club at Magnolia Gardens sells hats, blankets, and baby items to raise funds for community cause like the Langley Foodbank.
• At Sunridge Gardens, residents like Beth and Alice crochet lap blankets and adorable stuffed animals to donate to the Langley Hospice Society.
• Knitters at The Wexford, produce toques, blankets and tea cozies that they donate to the DeltAssist Santa for Seniors program each Christmas.