Quilting is the perfect art activity for seniors who enjoy working with their hands, especially those who are already proficient with a sewing machine. If they have sewn before, they likely have plenty of scraps of material they can use to make a quilt. Alternatively, they can shop specifically for fabrics they think their loved ones will appreciate or that represent different aspects of their lives.
One of the most important aspects of quilting is that at the end, they have a beautiful work of art that can actually be useful and memorable to a child, grandchild or someone in need. Seniors can donate their quilts to organizations like the Ronald McDonald House or St. Jude's Hospital, who can deliver them to people who need them.
Photography is another favorite activity for senior citizens. It enables them to catch certain snapshots of life at a time when they understand just how quickly moments disappear. Seniors can make collages, photo albums or scrapbooks using the snapshots that they take. Although some seniors may not be comfortable with a complicated digital camera, they can buy cameras that are simpler to use and still enjoy the luxury of being able to view their pictures immediately.
Seniors can focus on several different aspects of life through their photography. Some seniors will enjoy taking pictures of people, especially of family or friends, but of strangers as well. Others may feel drawn toward nature, and find a special pleasure in capturing the beauty of spring's first flower. Seniors who enjoy traveling can add a new dimension to their trips by photographing the things they see at their destinations and sharing their experiences with others through their pictures.
Many seniors also enjoy painting ceramic pieces. Although actually creating ceramics and pottery can be difficult for those who have hand pain or stiffness, painting pieces that have already been created can produce beautiful results. They can produce bowls or mugs for their own use, vases to give as gifts or small painted sculptures of animals or birds to use as decoration. Seniors can sell their crafts at nearby fairs or flea markets or straight from the gift shop of the senior facility that hosted the painting group.