India is often considered a young country with a sizeable proportion of its population under the age of 30, India it now also has a growing population at the other end of the spectrum. By 2050, older people (defined as those over the age of 60) will reportedly constitute 20% of the Indian population. With age comes memory problems, cognitive decline, and increasing loneliness, all of which make older people vulnerable to mental health problems. In fact, the prevalence of mental illness is increasing among the aging population around the world, making it one of the leading causes of morbidity.
According to reports, 20% of older people experience some type of mental health problem, the most common being anxiety, severe cognitive impairment and mood disorders such as depression or bipolar depression. These problems also have a negative impact on the physical health and well-being of older people, often leading to impaired physical, mental, and social functioning, and can complicate the treatment of other chronic conditions they may suffer from.
Active aging includes regular physical activity, pursuing hobbies, meditation, and helping others. Activities that offer the opportunity to gain experience, express yourself creatively, and help build community bonds to lift your mood and revitalize your brain. “Today, there are a plethora of activities and resources available to keep seniors engaged, leading to happy minds and spirits. Among these activities is sewing, one of the most effective ways to keep the mind sharp, boosting creativity and relieving stress and anxiety,” says Parveen Kumarr Sahni, President of Sewing Machines at Usha International.
Sewing reduces chances of dementia
Did you know that your brain is a muscle? Well, like all the muscles in your body, brain exercises do wonders to keep you at your peak and this is where sewing really comes in handy. “Trying out new fun projects, experimenting with color, stitches and various features keeps you mentally sharp while improving dexterity and focus. Research shows that people who sew are less likely to develop dementia. Sewing improves brain cells and releases God’s hormones, which reduces the likelihood of mental illness and memory loss,” adds Sahni.
Research suggests that engaging in a creative hobby, such as sewing, helps reduce the risk of dementia and sharpens memory. A recent report from the Mayo Clinic reveals that people who indulge in crafts are 45% less likely to develop mild cognitive impairments.
Reduces stress and blood pressure.
It is important to find a systematic and appropriate outlet to calm the body and mind, as excessive stress has been linked to illness and disease. Sewing triggers a relaxation response throughout the body, which helps lower blood pressure and improve digestion. In fact, according to several reports, the average heartbeat of a seamstress dropped by eleven beats per minute after sewing, which also caused a drop in blood pressure.
a form of meditation
Have you ever heard of sewing therapy? It is real! The term meditation is no longer just about sitting cross-legged in complete silence. Today, the meaning of meditation is much more inclusive and can be any activity that focuses your mind and brings you peace and tranquility. “In fact, new-age technology allows us to identify activities and hobbies that elicit a response like the traditional form of meditation. This is where sewing comes in: it is a meditative craft,” Sahni believes.
makes you feel better physically
The inherent calming effect of sewing, combined with the release of dopamine, visibly improves physical and mental well-being with multiple benefits, from better sleep, to reducing cravings, to even relieving back pain.
So if you are a senior, or soon to be a senior with time on your hands, now is the time to start keeping yourself happy, healthy, and busy while experiencing the golden years of your life.
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