Colouring Book Benefits in Old Age and Dementia
Coloured pigments were first invented 40,000 years ago with the first colour palette consisting of five colours; red, yellow, brown, black and white. The first colouring book was only published in 1879 and it was called a painting book because crayons were only invented in 1903. These days we have access to coloured pencils, crayons, marker pens, paint, charcoal, pencils, ink pens and felt tipped pens.
Besides the obvious benefits for children of developing fine motor skills, hand strength, focus and being an inexpensive activity, there are wonderful benefits for the elderly and those with some form of dementia. It helps improve mood, providing a sense of comfort as it improves serotonin levels. It also calms the mind and allows the person to enter a meditative like state by relaxing the body.
Someone with Alzheimer’s for example is often overly anxious, very fearful, easily threatened and angered, easily overwhelmed, and over stimulated. This is due to their inability to manage simple daily activities, forgetting how to eat, drink, talk, walk, wash and identify loved ones. So, when choosing a colouring in book for them choose:
The simpler the better: so as not to confuse or irritate the person. Avoid detail and clutter.
The bigger shapes the better: to allow space and ease for those with hand control and visual issues.
One sided/ thick paper: to prevent bleed through of colours making it suitable for marker pens which are an easy clean way to apply colour.
Meaningful subject matter: images that the person enjoys and relates to as this prompts long term memory and reminiscing, making them feel safe and secure.
Avoid too much choice: of colours, books and be aware that they will have favourite colours so they will run out faster than others.
Let the person just do their own thing and don’t complicate what can be a very relaxing safe activity for them.
“When my client has learned to answer their own questions, my job is done”
Need to know more? WhatsApp on +27823740940 or email on barbara@barbarascogings.com to book a complimentary 20-minute session to discuss this in more detail.