‘Lefties’ commemorated on Left Handed Day

IN celebration of International Left-Handers Day, they are applauded for their creativity, resilience and innovation.

The day is observed annually on 13 August as a special day for a unique group of people who live in a world designed for the majority.

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According to BIC, this day honours the 13% of the world’s population who navigate life with their left hand.

Lillian Henderson, BIC marketing director for southern and east Africa, says, while ‘lefties’ are often seen as rare, they bring a range of fascinating abilities and perspectives that make them anything but ordinary.

Henderson notes that left-handers have always stood out in a right-handed world. From using scissors to writing in a spiral-bound notebook, everyday tasks can sometimes be challenging for lefties.

Yet these challenges help nurture remarkable adaptability and problem-solving skills among left-handed individuals.

“Interestingly, left-handedness isn’t just about which hand you write with, it’s linked to the brain’s structure and function. Research shows that left-handers often have a more developed right hemisphere, which is associated with creativity, spatial awareness and holistic thinking. This might explain why many lefties excel in fields like art, music and sport,” said Henderson.

Cognitive benefits of using the non-dominant hand.

Some experts believe using your non-dominant hand – left for right-handers and vice versa – can have significant cognitive benefits. Their thinking is that performing tasks with the non-dominant hand can boost brain activity and improve mental flexibility.

This concept, called ‘neuroplasticity’, means the brain can adapt by creating new connections between brain cells.

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