It's no surprise that soft materials are more pleasing to the touch than rough ones, but a recent study found that they can actually improve the cognitive and emotional skills of older adults. In the research, published in the October 2012 issue of Geriatrics and Gerontology International, participants were divided into three groups, each of which completed twice-weekly activities that involved working with either a piece of velvet, canvas or Velcro. After 10 weeks, participants in the velvet group had increased verbal fluency and emotional competence and decreased negative emotions, whereas those in the Velcro group had the opposite results. (There was no change in the canvas group.)

This study is the first ever to look at how touching different materials affects well-being, so the researchers do not yet know how the phenomenon works, but they hypothesize that the association between soft materials and positive memories may be to thank.

This article was originally published with the title Velvet Improves Older Adults' Well-Being.

5 Comments

1. 1. lamorpa 11:03 AM 4/4/13

   Blue velvet?

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2. 2. littleredtop 12:33 PM 4/4/13

   I find that it doesn't have to be a fabric. Many older persons find comfort in petting a furry little kitten while those tending old goats seem to experience the opposite emotions. Perhaps that's why the divorce rate among seniors is so high.

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3. 3. OdinsAcolyte 03:04 PM 4/4/13

   Perhaps it because my first thought on looking at the image that accompanies this article made me think of the lining of a coffin. Rest. As for a divorce rate among seniors? Well a lifetime is much longer than any young person imagined it could be. As I age I can understand being ready to die. I do not have that desire yet, but can see how it can come if I survive this Veil of Tears for another forty years.

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4. 4. collettedesmaris 05:25 AM 4/5/13

   This article seems like just more poppycock from a publication that used to be dedicated to intellectual content. I mean; really. I'd be interested in knowing your sources for this research and information.

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5. 5. jackvandijk in reply to lamorpa 10:36 AM 4/7/13

   No, pink

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