A picture is worth a thousand words – and a scrapbook made with love is worth even more. Creating a scrapbook is a beautiful way to preserve memories that will be enjoyed by family and friends for generations to come. If you are a senior who’s never tried scrapbooking but are interested in giving it a try, look no further. We’ve created a simple guide to scrapbooking for seniors to get you started in no time.
Like any project, scrapbooking is a great way to get the creative juices flowing. It’s a particularly good choice for senior adults because it’s not physically strenuous and can be completed at your own pace.
It’s also a valuable way to preserve memories, especially for those coping with memory loss. Going through old photographs is a great way to reflect on your favorite moments. It can even be a fun opportunity to pick up the phone and call a family member to get their stories of the photos you’re documenting.
In addition, scrapbooking is an activity that’s good for the soul. It encourages creativity, quiet reflection and reminds you of the very best things in life. You can also share in scrapbooking with others, which makes it a valuable opportunity for socializing with your peers.
Although there are lots of products out there, you don’t need a ton of fancy supplies. One of the best things about scrapbooking for seniors is that you can get started with just a few basic items. Here’s what you may need to create a basic scrapbook.
The first thing you need is photos to include in your scrapbook. You may not want to use original photographs in case they get damaged – instead, order new ones, or make copies. Many drugstores will restore and enhance old, damaged photographs you may have. Not feeling particularly tech-savvy? Ask a family member or friend to help you order photos online. Many companies, such as Snapfish, will deliver them right to your door.
Next, you need the scrapbook album itself. This could be one you already have on hand, or you could purchase one from a local craft store. Some scrapbooks have plastic sleeves that hold each page. If you choose this type of scrapbook, choose one that already has the sleeves built into it. Otherwise, you may need to purchase the plastic sleeves separately.
You’ll need something adhesive to put your scrapbook together, but what you choose is completely up to you. Some stores sell specific adhesive strips for photos, but a regular old glue stick will work just as well. Choose whatever is easiest for you to use, or what you already have on hand.
From a simple ballpoint pen to rainbow felt-tip markers, there are lots of great options for scrapbooking. Start simple and figure out what tools you most enjoy using. One great thing about scrapbooking for seniors is that it can be adapted based on what you most enjoy, whether that’s drawing, penmanship, or just focusing on the photos.
Finally, the best part. While it’s not required to use decorative items, such as stamps, stickers and stencils, for your scrapbook, it sure makes it a lot more fun. These items are easily purchased from your local craft store. Choose ones that let your personality shine.
Now that you’ve gathered everything you need, it’s time to get to work. To avoid getting overwhelmed, try starting with just one page. You can organize your scrapbook in a number of different ways, including by theme, by date or by occasion. You can also use specific pages to highlight family members and friends.
Once you have a theme in mind, start laying out your page design. Be sure not to stick down anything yet, so you can make sure you have everything just the way you want it. Leave plenty of room – or add additional squares of paper – to write journal entries that go with the pages. Include details such as names, dates and locations.
While working on your scrapbook, don’t get caught up in making everything look perfect. Like many things in life, a scrapbook does not need to be perfect to be meaningful. At the end of the day, the purpose is to reflect on your favorite memories, and to share those memories with others. Scrapbooking for seniors is a beautiful opportunity to share what is most meaningful to you – whether that’s people, places, or even a furry friend. Not only do you get to enjoy the process of creating your scrapbook, but you can enjoy knowing you’re creating something that will be cherished for generations to come.
At Advent Christian Village, we are proud to offer a variety of clubs, activities and venues for finding new hobbies at every phase of your retirement. From choir practice to jewelry making, there’s something for everyone. Give us a call today at 1-800-647-3353 or click here to schedule a tour!
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