After returning from a visit to California this fall, we received a letter from our nine-year-old great-niece. Actually, it was two letters inside one envelope. One was written to Uncle Wayne, and the other to Aunt Yaya. She had written to say how much fun she had spending time with us and wanted us to come back soon for another visit. Even though over the past year, we have received our share of mail – mostly bills and junk, some letters, I must say that hers was one of the highlights.
Wayne and I also enjoy writing cards and letters to friends and family. I was involved in a card-writing project that I mentioned in an article back at the beginning of COVID, “Cards and Letters Bring Love to the Lonely”. My friend, Pam and I came up with a letter-writing project. It was a low-tech idea to help us find our joy. We decided we would each write a letter once a week to those in our world who blessed us or made a difference in our lives in one way or another. We wanted to let them know how much they meant to us and thank them. Often, those to whom we wrote had no idea of their impact on our lives. We called it “The Joy Project”. It was fun, but we only did it for a season. A short season. Life got busy, and we eventually stopped writing. When I look back on that time, I’m glad for the letters we had sent.
The Blessings flow both ways
Writing a card or letter not only blesses the one receiving but is also beneficial to the writer. In The Post man’s Knock blog, Lindsey Bugbee writes a compelling argument for letter writing in her post, 7 Reasons to Write Letters.
“If you’re looking to strengthen your relationships, spend some time away from screens, and indulge in a rejuvenating activity, try writing letters.”
Lindsey Bugbee
The National Library of Medicine published a study focused on the possibility that letter writing helps ease the feelings of loneliness. The conclusion of the study pointed to many potential benefits to both participants with this low-tech initiative. It is not cost-prohibitive and is easily implemented. Anecdotal data also suggested there was potential clinical significance to the project.
Writing option for sore hands and busy seasons
If you have difficulties writing due to arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or any number of other reasons, simply signing and sending a pre-printed card is a good alternative. It is also an option if you find yourself extra busy. The benefits and blessings still hold true.
Journaling may be an idea worth exploring
An article in Griswald Care, “The Benefits of Journaling for Seniors, “ explains that, along with writing to bless others, journaling is another writing activity that blesses us with additional benefits. If you are stuck for what to write, check out “50 Journal Prompts for Seniors”.
About ten years ago, I wrote a post about another Journal idea, “Grateful Journal Finished, Grateful Journey Continues“.
But wait, there’s more…
An additional, surprising benefit has been established in a study conducted by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The Norwegian researchers wanted to discover if there was any benefit to handwriting rather than using a computer. The study suggests that it does! It determined that the practice of handwriting remains essential for pupils and students.
In a press release titled, “Writing by hand may increase brain connectivity more than typing on a keyboard”, by neuroscientist Audrey van der Meer, one of the researchers behind the study stated that “New research has shown that writing by hand leads to higher brain connectivity than typing on a keyboard, highlighting the need to expose students to more handwriting activities.”
She is also quoted as saying:
“We show that when writing by hand, brain connectivity patterns are far more elaborate than when typewriting on a keyboard. Such widespread brain connectivity is known to be crucial for memory formation and for encoding new information and, therefore, is beneficial for learning.”
Audrey van der Meer
Handwriting Shows Unexpected Benefits Over Typing
Two articles explore and explain the Norwegian University of Science and Technology study. The first one, from Frontiers, explains that the tactile feedback and slower pace of forming letters require deeper processing, leading to better long-term retention compared to the more mindless transcription of typing.
It is mentioned that the findings demonstrate the need to give students the opportunity to use pens, rather than having them type during class. Guidelines are being put into place to ensure that students receive at least a minimum of handwriting, including cursive instruction.
Handwriting helps student success
One of our nephews has been teaching the value of handwriting in cursive for years. He developed a K-12 Mastery School that allows students to advance as they ‘master’ each subject or topic rather than by age or grade. One of the requirements all students have is writing a letter in cursive at the end of each week, highlighting the activities of the week to a parent, relative, or friend who reads, signs, and returns the letter to the school for the student’s permanent file. At the end of the year, each student will have a history of their academic activities and accomplishments. The success of his students verifies that handwriting is a vital part of the learning process.
Another article, published by sciencenorway.no, further states, “Writing by hand activates more areas of the brain than typing on a keyboard.”
A few items for the visual oriented
If you are a visual learner, there is an informative YouTube video, “Handwriting Rewires Your Brain for Intelligence | Neuroscience Explains”. It highlights key findings:
- Handwriters score 23% higher on conceptual tests.
- 34% better recall after one week (Tokyo University)
- Multiple brain regions activate simultaneously with handwriting.
- Richard Branson, Bill Gates, and J.K. Rowling all use handwritten notes.
The Letter Writer, a movie from 2011, beautifully displays the life-blessing, life-changing power of writing a letter.
It’s never too late to set aside your laptop, and pick up pen and paper. In light of all the evidence, I believe that handwriting is something to take note of.
Has your world been touched by dementia?
My book, “Finishing Well: Finding the Joy in Dementia“, is a collection of stories and tips about doing life with my Mama. May it encourage and inspire you to find joy on your own, unique journey.