Health Benefits of Collecting

161-180 AD Marcus Aurelius Denarius Father of Commodus Silver Coin NGC Choice MS Mint State 5/5-3/5

My favorite auntie, a highly regarded registered nurse, collected antique invalid feeders. Invalid feeders were used in homes as an aid in the feeding of invalids in the late 19th and early 20th century. I once asked her why she chose this unusual category. Her quick reply was, “Because they’ve always fascinated me and I get the opportunity to meet a lot of new friends who share my passion!” She would travel on her days off to antique shows and swap meets all over the state in search of unique and pristine examples of her collectible of choice. She amassed quite an impressive and valuable collection by the time she passed away in her seventies. The reasons why people collect are infinite and relatively unimportant. What matters is, that they choose to collect. Being a collector has many hidden health benefits that often aren’t seen from the outside. Collecting can reduce stress by temporarily redirecting our minds away from our often humdrum routines and schedules. Collecting can build self-esteem by providing us with the opportunity to eventually develop into a recognized expert in our collecting field. Concentration and memory functions are often enhanced as a result of the focus required while researching and categorizing our collectibles. As my auntie so happily discovered, collecting antique invalid feeders put her in touch with like-minded collectors and resulted in several lifelong friendships. Ask yourself what kinds of items you would enjoy collecting. Search out others who are collecting and dealing in similar types of items and start connecting. Yes, it can actually be that simple! The happiness and enjoyment of becoming a collector are yours for the taking.