Needlepoint Can Improve your “Golden Years”

Now we all know that stress causes many health problems, not the least are those bald spots by tearing your hair out today, Tax Day in the US.

But did you know that a newly published study shows that needlepoint or other crafty and artistic activities can help prevent memory problems as we age?

A study, just published in Neurology, looked at 256 people, with an average age of 85 to look at the effects of various activities on MCI, or Mild Cognitive Impairment. 62% of the folks in the study were women.

According to an article in Pharmacy Times reporting on the study “Compared with those who did not engage in crafty activities, individuals who participated in art . . . in middle and old age were 73% less likely to develop MCI. Those involved in crafts . . . during middle and old age were 45% less likely to develop MCI. Socializing in both middle and old age led to a 55% reduction in MCI risk. In addition, using computers later in life was linked with a 53% MCI risk reduction, compared with those who did not use computers.”

This lead the researchers to the conclusion that these activities to suggest that these kinds of activities be pursued in middle and old age.

A press release from one of the researchers said: “As millions of older US adults are reaching the age where they may experience these memory and thinking problems called MCI, it is important we look to find lifestyle changes that may stave off the condition. Our study supports the idea that engaging the mind may protect neurons…from dying, stimulate growth of new neurons, or may help recruit new neurons to maintain cognitive activities in old age.”

You now have official permission to stitch as a healthy activity.