Adapted and reimagined from an original article by Kate Walter
For Creative Golden Years
What if a broken lamp or a torn dress wasn’t the end — but a beginning? All around the country, older adults are gathering in libraries, community rooms, and town halls to breathe new life into old things — and rediscover their own creativity in the process.
This growing trend isn’t just about saving money or reducing waste. It’s about purpose, pride, and the 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 grown into an international network of community repair events. In the U.S., many of these events are led or powered by older adults — with decades of know-how and 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 turning into modern-day “village greens” where creativity, conversation, and care converge.
At these gatherings, volunteers help neighbors repair everything from lamps and clocks to clothing, toys, and even electronics. Many participants are seniors — not only bringing in treasured items to fix, but offering 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 stimulating. It draws on problem-solving, memory, and fine motor skills. It keeps the brain engaged while offering a strong 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 repair grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s — when fixing things wasn’t a hobby, it was a way of life. Today, their knowledge is invaluable, especially for items built before everything became disposable.
Creativity in Action
There’s artistry in every fix. Jewelry maker Suzie Fromer calls it “emergency room triage for your belongings.” She’s watched tears well up in people’s eyes as they wear a once-broken necklace again.
In Boulder, one volunteer 3D-printed a part to save a leaky blender. Others tinker with clocks, revive stuffed animals, or repurpose lamp cords. Some repairs are quick. Others take hours. But all of them matter.
“It gives the owner permission to let go if something can’t be saved,” says Braden. “Even that is a gift.”
Why It Matters
The benefits go beyond the objects:
- It keeps seniors mentally sharp and physically active
- It builds meaningful connections with others
- It saves money and keeps waste out of landfills
- It taps into valuable lifelong skills
- It creates community
And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us: we’re not disposable. Neither are the things we care about.
Your Turn
Have you fixed something recently — a zipper, a clock, a chair? What did you learn in the process?
Share your story in the comments or start a local Fix-It circle with a neighbor.
This article was inspired by the original reporting of Kate Walter. It has been adapted with love and gratitude to reflect the voice and values of Creative Golden Years.