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Synchronicity about Knitting Therapy

I'm back again with the topic of knitting and therapy, or knitting as therapy, or knitting/therapy, take your pick.  I seem to be on to something because, not one but two of the many sites I generally follow mentioned the therapeutic impacts of knitting.  (I'm such a trendsetter, everyone important in knitting is following this groundbreaking blog, don't you think?  Yah, you're right, not so much!)  Is it synchronicity that I posted something recently and two other unrelated sites addressed the same topic the same day? Or is this just what happens when one really well read site (not mine) starts something and another picks it up.  I just want the record to show I was first this time, that's all.

Me doing research, no more like this




My nonacademic search mode
The Mayo Clinic recently did a study with 200 seniors aged 70-89 who were beginning to show signs of mild memory loss.  Researchers interviewed them asking what types of activities they were involved in from ages 50-65.  According to the results:  "Those who had during middle age been busy reading, playing games or engaging in craft hobbies like patchworking or knitting were found to have a 40% reduced risk of memory impairment.  In later life, those same activities reduced the risk by between 30 and 50%."  (emphasis added)   So goody, one can lower the risk of dementia by knitting in addition to lowering blood pressure and heart rate.

Then there was a discussion on Quora about the benefits and concerns about needle crafts.  Memory improvement, stress reduction, improved dexterity after a stroke were all mentioned.  But then there were those concerned about knitting's sedentary nature.  Sitting too long, poor posture and exacerbating arthritis were mentioned by crafters, not researchers, as some of the down sides of knitting.  One individual even goes so far to say she believes crochetting is easier on the body than knitting.  I think I'll have to do some personal research on that one for myself.

This searching out true research about knitting doesn't end here.  But there are a few notes to take from all this so far:
  • Knitting can be good for you but improvements in overall activity are just as important as delaying dementia
  • Keeping the mind busy can improve life quality but so can a healthy diet with appropriate weight control and physical activity
  • See this list of 7 tips from Mayo Clinic for simple ways to age in a healthy way 
So the chapter on this topic is still left open.  There may be more to come, if nothing else my personal knitting versus crochetting physical health contest.

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