Gone are the days when colouring was considered a kids’ activity. Now more than ever, more seniors are colouring and the benefits of colouring for seniors are evident. 

The elderly tend to get bored, lonely and even irritable, especially if they have nothing to do. Since caring for the elderly isn’t a cakewalk, incorporating colouring activities into aged care might just be what you need for brighter days. 

Should you try it out? Check out the benefits of colouring for the elderly below and decide for yourself.

8 Benefits of Colouring for the Elderly

1.    Lowers Anxiety

If your loved one is struggling with anxiety, colouring could help them feel better. Colouring is a meditative activity that allows one to simply be in the moment. Focusing on whatever they are colouring helps them to relax and just think about what they are doing. The meditative nature of colouring helps the aged to relax and put their fears and concerns aside. The more they do it, the less time they spend battling anxiety.

2.    Relieves Boredom

Studies have linked boredom to depression, substance abuse and increased risky behaviour. More often than not, the elderly have no duties even in a family set-up. They spend long hours doing nothing, resulting in boredom. To beat the boredom and stay engaged, the aged can participate in fun colouring activities.

3.    Improves Moods

Staying too idle and alone could lead to feelings of sadness. However, colouring helps the aged feel happy and accomplished. It feels good to create a beautiful piece of art and be celebrated. If a loved one has been a little more irritable, colouring could improve their mood and enhance their mental wellness. 

4.    Social Connection

Colouring for seniors promotes social connection. Group colouring therapies are fun, encourage interactions among the seniors and reduce social isolation. To make it even better, you can make colouring a family activity to allow the seniors to connect with their grandchildren. That way, seniors feel appreciated and supported.

For the kids, a reusable colouring set from Little Change Creators would be ideal. The Re-FUN-able silicone colouring set lets the kid be as creative as they can without the fear of making a mess.

5.    Improved Motor Abilities

Age comes with a decline in motor abilities which could negatively impact the aged. It can be frustrating when one can no longer do the things they loved to do anymore. The elderly can end up feeling angry or sad since they need help and not everyone is okay with being vulnerable. 

However, colouring can help improve their motor abilities such as dexterity, hand-eye-coordination and grip. While these might seem like small things, they mean the world to the elderly who don’t want to be fully dependent on their caregivers.

6.    Creativity

Colouring is a great way for seniors to express themselves. They can be as creative as they desire bringing a sense of self-satisfaction. It brings back good childhood memories and can also boost their self-esteem.

7.    Bring Back Memories

Seniors with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia often suffer from memory loss. Colouring things they once associated with such as favourite plants, cards, flowers and cars could help in bringing back their memory.

8.    Versatility

Forget about the colouring rules in kindergarten. For the aged, they don’t have to follow any rules as long as they colour and enjoy doing it. The freedom to colour anyhow and from anywhere makes it a more fun activity for them. Whether the senior is in a hospital or is immobile, they can still enjoy colouring.

How to Incorporate Colouring Activities into Aged Care Routines

Colouring is always fun for kids but seniors might perceive it as a children’s activity.  To avoid resistance and easily incorporate colouring into their care routine, try these tips:

• Make it Fun: The more enjoyable the colouring session is, the more they will always look forward to it. A group colouring session is more fun and interactive than colouring alone. You can incorporate songs they love or crack jokes they relate to to make the session fun. 

• Create a Conducive Environment: Seniors tend to get very irritable and you want to ensure that the environment around them is very conducive for colouring. Ensure that they are seated comfortably in a well-lit environment. You can also allow them to choose where they would like to sit when colouring. 

• Quality Colouring Materials: To ensure that seniors don’t feel like you are engaging them in a kids’ activity, get high-quality colouring materials. Instead of a basic colouring book and crayons, get nice colour pencils and adult colouring books. 

• Consistency: Create a colouring routine and remain consistent so that the senior can reap more benefits. Consistency also helps them achieve their goals faster, whether the goal is to improve their motor skills or their mental health. 

• Appreciate Their Work: After colouring, remember to appreciate their effort and tell them how great they were. You can also put their pieces on display for everyone to see or share with their family members. They will feel supported and it boosts their self-esteem. 

• Encourage Group Colouring: To avoid isolation and loneliness, encourage the seniors to colour as a group or with family members. In a family set-up, encourage everyone to support the seniors by being part of the colouring session. Seniors need to know that they aren’t walking alone. 

• Give Them Freedom: You might face a lot of resistance if you try to impose rules on how they should colour. Avoid setting rules and allow them to choose their colours. It’s okay even if they don’t follow the lines when colouring. The goal is for them to enjoy the benefits of colouring and not to come up with a perfect piece.

With so many benefits for seniors, it would be good to incorporate colouring activities in aged care routines. Seniors need as much support as possible for their physical, mental and emotional well-being, and colouring is good therapy to enhance their overall health. After all, their health and happiness is everyone’s joy.