How Our “Knit Wits” Make a Difference

 

Knit Wits - Make a Difference

Being a “Knit Wit” is a badge of honor at Lester Senior Living! Our resident knitting club, lovingly known as the Knit Wits, gathers regularly to knit everything from cozy scarves to intricate quilts — all while enjoying great conversation and laughter. More than just a hobby, their work has a lasting impact, as many of their handmade pieces are donated to local charities.

Recently, the Knit Wits took on an especially meaningful project: a large quilt dedicated to veterans. Over two months, they carefully stitched together each panel, crafting a beautiful and heartfelt piece that would eventually find a home at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital. Among the dedicated members of the club was Madeline Johnson, a proud veteran herself, who put extra love and effort into ensuring the quilt was special. Her one request? That it be given to another veteran who would appreciate its warmth and care. We were honored to make that wish a reality.

JCHC Senior Living

This project is just one example of how knitting isn’t just about creating something tangible—it’s also about giving back, making friends, and enjoying the many benefits of this rewarding craft at our senior living community in Morris County. 

Mental Health Benefits of Knitting

Knitting is more than just an enjoyable pastime; it’s a proven way to improve mental well-being, particularly for older adults. The rhythmic, repetitive movements involved in knitting can have a calming effect on both the mind and body.

  • Reduces Stress and Anxiety: The gentle, repetitive nature of knitting has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress. Engaging in this meditative activity helps soothe the nervous system and promotes better relaxation.
  • Lifts Mood and Combats Depression: The act of knitting triggers dopamine production, a chemical that enhances feelings of happiness. Many seniors at Lester find that knitting provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, helping to keep their spirits high.
  • Supports Brain Health: Studies suggest that knitting may help reduce cognitive decline by stimulating the brain and forming new neural pathways. This can be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of mild cognitive impairment and delaying the onset of conditions like dementia.

Physical Health Benefits of Knitting

As we briefly mentioned above, knitting isn’t just good for the mind — it’s also great for the body. While this seems like a very stationary activity, knitting can have a surprising number of physical health benefits for seniors.

  • Improves Hand-Eye Coordination and Dexterity: The precise movements required to knit help maintain fine motor skills, keeping hands nimble and improving coordination over time.
  • Encourages Relaxation and Lowers Blood Pressure: Knitting promotes a state of relaxation, which has been linked to lower blood pressure and improved circulation.
  • Helps Manage Chronic Pain: The focused, repetitive action of knitting can distract from aches and discomfort, making it a helpful tool for managing chronic pain conditions like arthritis.

Social Benefits of Knitting

We can personally advocate for the meaningful social connections, reduced feelings of isolation and new friendships that have formed at Lester Senior Living thanks to the residents who started the Knit Wits! 

  • Brings People Together: The Knit Wits Club provides a sense of belonging for Lester residents, offering a space where they can gather, share stories, and work on projects together.
  • Eases Loneliness: Many seniors experience loneliness, especially those who live alone. Knitting clubs offer a regular social outlet, providing opportunities for laughter and companionship.
  • Creates Lasting Bonds: Residents who join the club often find lifelong friends who share their interests. At Lester, our Knit Wits have formed a tight-knit (pun intended!) community that truly encourages one another.

Knitting and More Activities for Seniors in Morris County, NJ

At Lester Senior Living, we believe that staying engaged is essential for overall well-being. That’s why we offer a variety of activities that encourage creativity, socialization, and lifelong learning.

From weekly Knit Wits Club meetings to painting classes, book clubs, fitness sessions, and themed movie nights, there’s always something exciting happening in our assisted living community in Morris County. Whether residents want to explore new hobbies, contribute to meaningful projects, or simply enjoy the company of friends, we provide a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

If you’d like to learn more about the engaging activities we offer at all of our senior living communities in NJ, please visit our website at https://jchcorp.org.

Original Source: https://jchcorp.org/how-our-knit-wits-make-a-difference/ 



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