Knitting can slow the onset of dementia, report finds

A report by Knit for Peace UK entitled ‘The Health Benefits of Knitting' states that the pastime can lower blood pressure, induce a sense of well-being, and slow the onset of dementia.

Knit for Peace is an initiative of the Charities Advisory Trust. It started as an income generation project for Hutu and Tutsi widows, victims of the Rwandan genocide and civil war

There are now more than 15,000 knitters in the UK Knit for Peace organisation.

Thanks to a grant from the Big Lottery Accelerating Ideas Fund, Knit for Peace have carried out an extensive Literature Review to show the effectiveness of knitting (and crochet) in helping older people become more resilient, including improvements in mental and physical health, overcoming isolation and loneliness and increasing a sense of well-being.

Evidence based research shows knitting has positive health benefits, physical and mental.

• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces depression and anxiety
• Slows the onset of dementia 
• Is as relaxing as yoga 
• Distracts from chronic pain
• Provides an opportunity for creativity (at a time of reducing capacity)
• Increases sense of wellbeing 
• Reduces loneliness and isolation 
• Increases sense of usefulness and inclusion in society

Surveying members of Knit for Peace UK, of those in poor or very poor health:

• 92% said knitting improved their health
• 82% said knitting relaxed them 
• 65% of our knitters said knitting for others made them feel useful 
• 92% said knitting improved their mood
  

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