Legos® Aren’t Just for Kids
What started as a carpentry workshop in Denmark has become one of the most iconic toys loved by kids and adults alike. Ole Kirk Kristiansen began producing miniature models of stepladders and ironing boards for design ads during the Depression. In addition to furniture, he started making toys, including yo-yo’s.
Offering a homemade bottle of wine for a prize, Kristiansen created a contest amongst his employees to name the company. Lego® comes from the Danish phrase, leg godt, meaning “play well” and also can be loosely interpreted as “I put together” in Latin.
When plastics became available after World War II, Lego® purchased a plastic injection machine and one of the first items created was a truck that could be assembled and taken apart. When Ole Kirk’s son, Godtfred, joined the company, Lego® began selling interlocking plastic brick toys as a system of building anything you could think of.
To this day, it remains a family-owned business, and their product offerings have expanded over the years. Remember Duplos®? There are also video games, Legoland® Parks, and movies. In 2020, the Lego Group pushed into the 18+ market and has been wildly successful. With categories, such as entertainment, art, design & music, travel & history, Star Wars™, science & tech, vehicles, and sports & games, these Lego kits are made for displaying.
They advertise on their website, “In a world of distractions, LEGO Sets for Adults offer a focused, hands-on, mindful activity. A creative recharge. A zone of zen. A place to find your flow.”
According to Fortune.com, ages 18 and older represent 14% of U.S. toy industry sales at $5.7 billion, which grew 19% in the 12 months ending in September, 2021. “The pandemic certainly served as a catalyst for this trend as adults found themselves stuck at home with nothing else to do with a lot of time in their hands,” said Genevieve Cruz, senior director at Lego, which sees adults of all ages embracing the colorful building blocks. “But we do believe that the trend goes beyond the pandemic.“
For aging adults, the activity can increase focus and concentration. When two or more friends gather to put a Lego® set together, it offers a wonderful opportunity for socializing. ABC News in Baltimore featured a story about Loretta Veney who became certified in LEGO Serious Play, a program designed to help with team-building, problem-solving and communication. She uses Legos to provide cognitive and emotional stimulation for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Even for those adults without dementia or Alzheimer’s, putting together Lego® creations is a healthy alternative to watching television. Playing with Legos® is a way to unwind and de-stress. A dear family friend, MaryAnne, has put together many display-worthy creations, including the birdhouse pictured above. She finds it relaxing. Other benefits include:
Increased development of fine motor skills. Maintaining dexterity is helpful as we get older, and building with Legos can even help folks with recovery from a stroke or other serious injury.
Lower stress levels and improve mood. It is a form of escape and relaxation. And after completing a project, there is a sense of accomplishment that gives a positive feeling.
Improved memory and increased IQ. Solving puzzles reinforces brain cell activity and improves short-term memory. It also raises IQ levels.
Encourages family bonding time. Sitting around a table creating something together is a way to be sociable and enjoy one another’s company.
It’s just plain fun. And fun is for everyone.
The next time you are thinking of a gift for an older adult, why not consider giving the gift of Legos®? Prices range from $12.99 to $849.99. Kits can be found on the Adult Legos® website.