There's an underappreciated and often overlooked group of folks whom we're going to spotlight today: Left-handed seniors. Being a lefty in a predominantly right-handed world poses unique challenges at any age, but senior citizens may find these obstacles especially frustrating. From the preponderance of right-handed tools to crafting guides designed with right-handed people in mind, left-handed seniors frequently encounter difficulties in their daily activities and hobbies.
But with awareness and a little creativity, you as family caregivers and loved ones can help ensure that your left-handed seniors have just as much fun, engagement, and accessibility as their right-handed counterparts. Read on to discover hobby and activity ideas specifically tailored for them.
The Challenges of Being a Left-Handed Senior
Being left-handed in a world designed for right-handers carries unique challenges, especially for seniors. Most tools, utensils, and resources cater to right-handers, which can make simple tasks challenging for left-handed seniors. For example, finding proper equipment such as scissors or golf clubs designed specifically for left-handers can prove to be difficult. Learning new hobbies often involves following guides or instructions demonstrated from a right-handed perspective, which can be confusing and frustrating.
Hobby Ideas for Left-Handed Seniors
One of the ways seniors can still enjoy their time is by taking up hobbies that don't require right-handed equipment or instructions. Here are a few examples:
- Painting and drawing are beneficial for cognitive health. There are many left-handed brushes and tools available, enhancing the experience for senior lefties.
- Gardening is another hobby that can function as a therapeutic activity. Left-handed gardening tools are easily accessible, making gardening a great hobby for left-handed seniors.
- Knitting and crocheting are popular activities among seniors; luckily, there are many left-handed tutorials available online that can be extremely helpful.
- Cooking and baking are also fulfilling hobbies. Many kitchen tools are ambidextrous or have left-handed versions available.
- Yoga and Tai Chi aren't just physical exercises: They can become an integral part of a senior's lifestyle, and they're adaptable to lefties.
- Golf isn't difficult with clubs designed specifically for left-handed seniors. At least, perfecting one's swing isn't more difficult than usual!
- Tennis and pickleball rackets come in both left- and right-handed styles, though they're usually ambidextrous.
Resources for Left-Handed Seniors
If you're looking for a place to find left-handed supplies for your senior loved one, there are a few world-renown online shops you should check out.
These are great places to get anything from art supplies to kitchenware. You might even find some funny novelty clothing.
Left or Right, We'll Give Your Senior a Hand
If you need help caring (or shopping!) for a left-handed senior loved one in Scarsdale, Port Chester, Mount Kisco, White Plains, or anywhere in Westchester County, the compassionate and understanding staff of Senior Helpers Westchester County is here for you.
Contact us today for more information about our in-home care and companionship services.