What if a broken lamp or a torn dress wasn’t the end — but a beginning? Across the country, older adults are gathering in libraries, community rooms, and town halls to breathe new life into old things — and rediscover their creativity in the process.
This growing movement isn’t just about saving money or reducing waste. It’s about purpose, pride, and the quiet joy of using your hands and your head — values many of us grew up with, now returning with heart.
The Rise of the Repair Café
Born in Amsterdam over 15 years ago, the Repair Café movement has blossomed into an international network of community repair events. In the U.S., many are led or powered by older adults — bringing decades of hands-on know-how and a deep appreciation for things that last.
From Manhattan’s Westbeth Artists Housing to small towns across the Hudson Valley and workshops in Boulder, Colorado, Repair Cafés are becoming modern-day “village greens” — where creativity, conversation, and care come together.
Volunteers help neighbors repair everything from lamps and clocks to clothing, toys, and electronics. Many participants are seniors — not only bringing in beloved items to be fixed but sharing their talents as mentors and makers.
Keeping Sharp, Staying Social
Fixing a lamp, mending a hem, or troubleshooting a clock doesn’t just feel good — it’s mentally engaging. It draws on problem-solving, memory, and fine motor skills. It sharpens the mind and offers a sense of accomplishment.
“We’re empowering people to do their own repairs,” says Carole Braden, coordinator of Fix-It Night at Westbeth. “You sit with the fixer, you talk, you learn how to use tools. And it’s social.”
Many of the volunteers teaching repairs grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s — when fixing things wasn’t a hobby, it was just how life worked. Their knowledge is now a precious resource, especially for items built to last.
Creativity in Action
There’s artistry in every fix. Jewelry maker Suzie Fromer calls it “emergency room triage for your belongings.” She’s seen people tear up when they put on a once-broken necklace again.
In Boulder, a volunteer 3D-printed a missing part to save a blender. Others revive stuffed animals, tinker with clocks, or repurpose lamp cords. Some repairs take minutes. Others, hours. Every single one matters.
“Even if something can’t be saved,” says Braden, “it gives the owner permission to let go. That, too, is a gift.”
Why It Matters
The benefits reach far beyond the repaired object:
- Keeps older adults mentally sharp and physically engaged
- Builds social connections
- Saves money and reduces waste
- Honors and applies lifelong skills
- Sparks joy, pride, and resilience
And perhaps most meaningfully, it reminds us:
We are not disposable.
Neither are the things — or stories — we care about.
Your Turn
Have you fixed something lately — a zipper, a clock, a chair? What did you learn in the process?
Share your story via email at creativegoldenyears@gmail.com or consider starting a local Fix-It Circle with a neighbor. You might be surprised by what you discover — not just in the item, but in yourself.
This article was adapted with love and gratitude from the original reporting of Kate Walter to reflect the voice and values of Creative Golden Years.