Meditating with Stitch - An Activity for Seniors

I don’t think anything prepares you for the senior years. I’m not there yet (what is the official age, anyway ? ), but when I hit the milestone of five zero, I suddenly experienced all those aches, pains and brain fog moments. Maybe it was just psychological! There’s a saying that says we all need to age gracefully. What does that mean? Many people say that we should remain physically active as we age, and to others, aging gracefully means keeping a sharp mind. In Singapore, the government has implemented active aging centres and activities to support the senior population, and to “reshape values, attitudes, and perceptions towards ageing and seniors."

How can Stitch Meditation Benefit Seniors?

This month, the Taman Jurong Active Aging Committee to give a talk and workshop on stitch meditation to their seniors as part of their programme for Dementia Day. I was excited for this opportunity as it got me thinking of how activities such as slow stitching can help seniors.

1.Stitch Meditation can improve self-esteem

• Feeling Happy and in Control: Engaging in slow stitch allows seniors to create something tangible and beautiful with their own hands. Although the final outcome is a small patch of fabric with stitches, the sense of accomplishment boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of control over their environment, which can be especially empowering for those who might feel their independence is diminishing.

• Personal Achievement: Completing a stitched project, no matter how small, gives a sense of achievement and pride, reinforcing positive feelings about oneself. It makes you feel good, and it carries on through the day!

2. Stitch Meditation can reduce stress and increase mindfulness

• Focused Attention: Stitch meditation requires focus and concentration, drawing attention away from worries and stressors. When I am in the zone, the repetitive motion of stitching can be very soothing and help quiet the mind, similar to traditional meditation practices.

• Calm and Relaxation: The rhythmic and repetitive nature of stitching can induce a state of relaxation, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm. I find it beneficial when dealing with stress or anxiety, and I’m sure seniors would feel the same way, especially when they are going through aging or health concerns.

  3. Stitch Meditation Stimulates the Brain

  • Cognitive Engagement: Engaging in stitch meditation keeps the brain active. The process of planning, deciding which fabric to use, threading the needle and engaging with the stitches requires cognitive effort, which helps keep the mind sharp and may delay cognitive decline.

  4. Helps Maintain and Improve Motor Skills:

  • Fine Motor Skills: Stitching requires precise hand movements, which helps maintain dexterity and coordination in the fingers and hands. This is particularly important for seniors to keep their fine motor skills intact.

  • Hand-Eye Coordination: The act of threading a needle, making stitches, and following patterns enhances hand-eye coordination, which can help in performing daily tasks more effectively.

It’s so exciting to see the outcome of such workshops. One of the participants of the session shared the results of her daily stitching with me over the weekend! It’s also rewarding for me to see how fulfilled the participants are to realise how something as simple as a needle and thread can bring zen into our lives.

What have you done to bring calm into your life?