The coloring group is one of the many activities at The Buckingham that promote its Masterpiece Living philosophy of lifetime learning and a healthy lifestyle.
Sandy Humphrey, 83, isn't ashamed to admit she likes to color. As one of the members of the new coloring group at The Buckingham Retirement Community, Humphrey said coloring helps her relax.
"Once you get started, you forget about everything else," she said. "It's like doing a puzzle."
Humphrey, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease three years ago, said coloring also helps calm the tremors in her fingers. It was a welcome new hobby for her, since she said most of the exercises she's done to help slow down the progression of Parkinson's consists of larger movements.
"With my finger (tremors), I can't write as well as I'd like, and I can't knit or do needlework anymore," she said. "Coloring helps keep my fingers moving."
The coloring group, which has about 20 members strong and continues to grow, meets once a month for an hour at Buckingham's art room. Gel pens, colored pencils, and coloring paper or books are supplied. Because the designs are so intricate, Humphrey said it can take more than one meeting to finish coloring one page, and she takes the time to finish the design in her apartment. However, Humphrey said she prefers meeting with the group, although for the most part, except for the classical music playing in the background, they color in concentrated silence.
"It's nice to be able to sit with others, even if we don't talk," she said.
Before her first meeting with the group, Humphrey dug out old Crayons and colored pencils from a supply box she's kept from her first-grade-teacher days and from the times she's colored with her young grandchildren. She's since upgraded to her own gel pens and coloring book, and has become a spokesperson for the group.
"When I announced the next meeting for the group, I received a few snickers from the audience," she said. "I told them, 'Don't laugh. Come out and join us.' I knew they'd enjoy it."
The coloring group is one of the activities at The Buckingham that promote its Masterpiece Living philosophy of lifetime learning and a healthy lifestyle.
"It's a wonderful thing to see the residents creating works of art that are stimulating to the senses and beneficial to their health," said Pam Ortiz, director of resident services and lifestyles at The Buckingham. "By providing purpose-filled activities, we are giving residents opportunities to use their imaginations to create something special, while feeling a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction."
http://www.chron.com/news/article/Coloring-group-blends-fun-activity-healthy-10627709.php
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