Knitting for Seniors

Our senior citizens have an enormous amount of wisdom, knowledge, and skill that oftentimes goes untapped. However, there are local, state, and national organizations that realize this untapped source and have developed programs where senior citizens can share their skills and gifts with people around the world. One such program was geared for senior citizens to knit blankets for school children in Kenya who were getting a brand new school. Another program was for seniors to knit blankets, hats, scarves, mittens, sweaters, and socks for the flood victims in Iowa who lost everything they had.

This kind of group effort to help so many people in need can do wonders for a senior citizen’s outlook on life and can give them a greater sense of self-worth. Giving of oneself is a very important aspect of the human nature, especially if there is no way of reciprocity. When you give, knowing you will receive nothing in return from the recipient, it blesses your heart and lifts your spirits beyond measure.

There are other advantages for knitting for senior citizens too. Keeping their fingers and minds busy helps their overall health and wellbeing. (If arthritis is an issue, there are lightweight knitting needles available to help ease the discomfort of heavier ones.) When seniors make something special for their grandchildren, other family member, or friend, the recipient will have a lasting memento of them. In addition to that, a senior citizen may have more time and is more willing to teach a youngster how to knit, which in turn can develop a lasting rapport between the two. Knitting for seniors is one of many excellent ways to keep busy and increase their sense of self-worth, because all their wisdom and advice is still of great value to younger generations.