Scrapbooking Tips for Seniors

These days, you can keep thousands of photos from your entire life digitally on your computer. However, there is something special about highlighting your most precious memories in the form of a scrapbook. For seniors in particular, scrapbooking can be more than a look back on memory lane. The craft has been shown to increase mental acuity, dexterity in one’s fingers, and even improve self-worth.

If you are ready to start scrapbooking for the fun and the benefits of it all, keep in mind these scrapbooking tips for seniors. This way, you’ll get the most out of the fun craft.

Pick a theme

Before you pick up the glue stick and the photographs, take a few minutes to decide on a theme. Do you want to highlight old family photos? Is there a specific event you want to memorialize in your scrapbook? Or, would you like this scrapbook to serve as a sort of diary that you update as events come? Once you make that decision, you can move forward with making something beautiful.

Get organized

With your theme in mind, it’s time to get organized. Gather whatever photos your other memorabilia you want to include, such as concert tickets, wedding invitations, or dried flowers. Have these items in the rough chronological order in which you think you’ll use them for ease. Then make sure you have all your necessary scrapbooking materials, such as scrapbook paper, tape, glue, and other decorations.

Involve the family

Scrapbooking doesn’t have to be a solitary affair. Invite your children or grandchildren to join you with memories of their own that they wish to highlight. You and your loved ones can work collaboratively to make something that fits your shared vision.

Involving family in scrapbooking offers you a great opportunity to socialize, which is so important for seniors. Those who may be suffering from the beginning stages of memory loss (dementia or Alzheimer’s) may find value in having someone nearby to remind them of certain moments they may have forgotten about.

Take your time

If you struggle with a condition such as arthritis or other motor skills issues, scrapbooking may be physically difficult at first. Try not to get agitated with this. As time goes on, you may find the process gets easier and easier on your joints. Slowly, you’ll be able to work with more speed and precision, just know you may have to be patient for a little while!

Live at home with confidence

You’re likely already aware of how tasks you once took care of on your own are much more difficult than they used to be. If you find you need assistance with any non-medical activities of daily living, consider calling upon the help of an at-home caregiver. These professionals can help with a variety of activities, including:

• Personal care
• Meal preparation
• Medication reminders
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Errands
• Brain games and activities
• Companionship

If you think you would benefit from any of the above services, consider calling Home Care Powered by AUAF. For 30 years, we have provided seniors the support they need to age in place, and we’d be proud to do the same for you. To learn more about our services call us at 773-274-9262.