Provide markers, colored paper and craft paper. Take these items out of the containers and lay them in an organized fashion on a large table. The table should be of comfortable height so that drawing is not a strain.
Direct the seniors to draw either a still life or a subject to evolve their creativity. You may provide a bowl of fruit, or a simple mason jar with fresh wild flowers as subject matter.
Give permission to take as long with this project as necessary. Through this experience the elderly are able to express their thoughts either about their memories or their present life on paper. The object of this project is to be able to transfer the image that the participant is thinking of clearly on paper, and thus expand their talents and enrich their skills. This not only engages their bodies but also activates their minds.
Show the group a picture or an object and ask them to look at it carefully for 3 to 5 minutes. Take the object or picture away and ask the participants to draw the item from memory. This helps keep their powers of concentration and memory strong.
Provide medium-sized polymer clay lumps on the table. Display them in an organized fashion.
Invite each participant to choose a lump and craft a container of their choosing. Vases, bowls, holders for pen and pencils are some ideas. While working to soften and mold the clay, seniors who suffer from limited dexterity in their fingers and hands are actually exercising.
Decorate the project with colorful beads or etchings. Press the beads around the perimeter or make a mosaics design in the clay. Etchings can be accomplished by dragging a Popsicle stick through the clay creating flowers, images or names.