Knitting Might Be One of the Best Hobbies for Aging and Mental Health—Here’s Why

Knitting is a timeless hobby that people of all ages can enjoy. Like many hobbies, it offers a wide range of health benefits aside from entertainment. Most hobbies foster social connection and a sense of community, in addition to promoting cognitive sharpness as we age. But knitting, in particular, goes above and beyond in reducing stress by helping your body enter a relaxing state, boosting your overall mood, and engaging multiple parts of your brain simultaneously to promote cognitive function. To better understand how knitting affects the brain and supports overall well-being, we spoke with licensed psychologists, psychotherapists, and art therapists. Ahead, we share the health benefits of knitting and the positive effects it can have on your brain.

Stimulates Cognitive Function

The practice of knitting engages multiple areas of the brain at once, requiring significant cognitive effort. "Your motor cortex and cerebellum, associated with fine motor coordination, are activated when you move the needles and yarn. Your prefrontal cortex kicks in as you concentrate on a knitting pattern (or counting stitches), and your visual cortex gets involved as you observe and repeat the patterns," says Emily Davenport, a licensed art therapist and psychotherapist at Davenport Creative Arts Therapy. "Even your hippocampus—which is tied to memory—is active when you're learning new stitches and sculpting your creation!"

Knitting demands planning, memory, sequencing, and problem-solving—all skills that are essential for keeping a sharp mind as you age. According to one neuropsychiatric study, engaging in craftwork like knitting can lower the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment by 30 to 50 percent in older adults. The research does not confirm that knitting can prevent cognitive impairment, but it may be wise to take up knitting for its relaxing and engaging benefits, says Victoria Latifses, a licensed clinical, forensic psychologist, and owner and founder of Embodied Psychotherapy, LLC.

Regulates Mood and Stress

The repetitive, rhythmic motion of knitting is very soothing, reducing stress and ultimately boosting your mood, says Davenport. It may even help your body switch from a state of "fight or flight" into a more restful state.

"Repetitive-based creative projects, such as knitting, are widely used in the art therapy community to help clients lower cortisol (your stress hormone) and boost focus," says Davenport. "Knitting is a form of creative self-expression that can elicit a sense of accomplishment, and pride—increasing serotonin and dopamine."

It's no wonder hobbies like gardening and other needlework crafts have been around for so many years as an outlet for people to rely on. These kinds of haptic-driven practices help improve mood and may reduce feelings of depression, says Cathy Malchiodi, a licensed professional art therapist, registered expressive arts therapist, and licensed professional clinical counselor at Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute.

Induces a 'Flow State'

In addition to boosting your mood, the meditative, rhythmic nature of needlework is recognized as calming and requires less focused thought, which can help transition you into a Zen-like "flow state," says Latifses.

"If you've ever felt like time disappeared while you were knitting, that’s what’s called a flow state—when you’re so deeply engaged in an activity that all of the background noise melts away," explains Davenport. Feel-good brain waves like alpha and theta can be triggered while knitting, and are linked to creativity and relaxation, ultimately helping you focus and quiet your inner critic.

Don't Miss

10 Hobbies for Older Adults That Improve Brain and Body Health

A Little More Movement Could Add Years to Your Life—Even If You’re Starting Late, New Study Says

Promotes Social Engagement

Building a community through shared hobbies fosters a sense of belonging and identity in individuals—both essential for overall well-being. For older adults, joining a knitting circle not only provides social connection but also emotional support. Malchiodi emphasizes how finding a community is a huge piece of our restorative and healing experience, offering a range of mental health benefits.

In the age of devices and screens, the importance of being surrounded by others has become even more crucial to combat rising social isolation and feelings of loneliness. Engaging in shared hobbies like knitting circles with friends or family enables individuals to skill-share, providing a sense of purpose within their community.