Terri Ramsey Beavers 
Knitting is a rewarding and surprisingly exciting pastime, you have the opportunity to create something that is useable and unique. But, it’s more than that. In fact, you may be surprised at the unexpected benefits you’ll gain access to when you start knitting.
1. Slows Cognitive Decline
Get yourself a pattern, such as one of these great ones from Panda yarn, and pause to take a look at it. Instantly you’ll feel your mind working as you visualize the results, plan how to do it, and start getting your materials together.
In short, knitting requires every part of your brain to do something, this activity is known to reduce cognitive decline. By knitting, you’ll be helping yourself to stay conversant for longer and enjoy a higher quality of life!
2. Meditative
Once you’ve established the pattern and started doing the stitches you’ll notice that the act of knitting is very therapeutic. In fact, it can have the same effect on your mind as meditating but with the added bonus of a physical item that you’ve made at the end of the process!
3. Releases Stress
If you’re feeling stressed you need to take your mind off the issue and focus on something different. Picking up your knitting and starting the process again is a great way to change your focus and start to relax your mind.
By the end of your knitting session, you’ll have forgotten about any stress.
When you’re stressed your body releases a hormone called cortisol, it also stops producing many of your regular hormones. This can lead to health issues like too much stress is linked with heart attacks and other coronary and age-related diseases.
Reducing stress now through knitting is going to help your health now and in the future.
4. Boosts Motor Function
The process of moving your needles and doing the right stitches will require some dexterity in your fingers and the use of your brain. These two factors together can improve your basic motor function skills, which will help you in all walks of life.
It has even been shown to be beneficial to people with Parkinson’s or similar motor neuron diseases.
5. Reduces Effects of Arthritis & Tendinitis
The constant movement of your fingers, hands, and wrists will help to alleviate the pain of arthritis and even tendinitis across your body.
You may be surprised to find out that knitting actually improves the cartilage in your fingers. If you’ve already got arthritis then you can start with larger needles, you are likely to progress to standard ones. It can also help to soak your hands in warm water first.
6. Creates Friendships
Finally, you may not think of knitting as a social activity but, in the modern digital world, it is. There are forums, weekly meetings, and social chats that allow you to meet others, share your achievements, and make friends.
This is beneficial to people of all ages as it can be difficult to make new friends when you lead a hectic life!