Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore.

This week, NBC News reported on a new trend that is providing stress-relief for adults — including caregivers for parents or loved ones — adult coloring. The news report highlighted the success of illustrator Johanna Basford’s sold-out adult coloring books, one of which, “Secret Garden” is on the top ten on Amazon’s Best Seller list. Illustrator Lisa Congdon has three versions of her “Just Add Color” books that she says are helping people be less internet and smart phone-focused and more creative.

Coloring parties are gaining momentum where the brain can be engaged and adults can socialize and relax while taking a moment to revisit their childhoods. For those who plan senior activities, coloring art projects using crayons or colored pencils have been a long time option for stimulating the mind and coordination therapy. Coloring is featured on the website www.boomers-with-elderly-parents.com, which provides elderly parents care information on topics such as nutrition and activities for Baby Boomers with aging parents,

“Whether you were into Superman, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Beetle Bailey, Alley Oop or Little Orphan Annie, many of us have spent hours upon hours coloring, laughing, sharing and enjoying the companionship of friends and family while we colored away in happy delight,” says the article, “Coloring Pictures – Elderly Activities that are Easy and Fun.” “Who says we have to give up coloring just because we’re older?”

The website feature story lists benefits of coloring for adults and seniors such as promoting fond memories, recognition in the brain, and enhanced joint health and flexibility.

“Choosing a picture, colors, and picking up and holding and maneuvering a crayon are excellent exercises that promote mobility and connectivity between the brain and fine motor movement,” according to the article.

Great Care Founder and CEO Julie Sullivan agrees.

“For the elderly, coloring is well known for helping with hand and eye coordination and relieving stress, particularly in dementia, Alzheimer’s and recovering stroke patients,” she says. “Coloring is an enjoyable arts and crafts hobby that has provided many benefits for seniors for years — and now it sounds like caregivers can now get in on the fun to help with stress and unplug.”

Adult coloring can be a soothing exercise in stress reduction and great way for caregivers to spend quality time with family members. The grandkids can also join in the fun and grandparents can reserve a special time for everyone to participate, maybe naming the days such as Coloring Fridays or Arts and Crafts Tuesdays. If seniors are able to travel, visit local community and senior centers offering classes that focus on arts and crafts classes including adult coloring.

For those at home with internet access, find adult coloring pages online or visit amazon.com for adult coloring books specific to caregiving and mind-stimulating needs. There are a variety of subjects and topics to color, from animals and nature to shapes and geometrical designs.

Most importantly, have fun!
The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.