The Benefits of Gardening for Seniors

Gardening can provide both physical and emotional benefits for everyone, including seniors of all ages. It is often a great hobby to begin in your later years because it can keep you fit and healthy and bring extra joy into your day. Here are just some of the ways that gardening can benefit you.

Increase or maintain mobility

As we age, it can be frustrating when our bodies don’t always do what we want them to do. Gardening can help you increase movement and flexibility and stay mobile for longer. It encourages you to move in all sorts of ways, like squatting, stretching and lifting, which all help to build strength and stamina.

In fact, gardening is such a great form of exercise that you must be sure not to overdo it. For example, if your doctor has advised you that squatting or kneeling is problematic, try a raised garden bed or trellis instead.

Be sure to know your limits and adjust your garden to suit your needs.

Keep your heart healthy

Gardening provides a healthy dose of vitamin D and moderate exercise, both of which are good for the heart. Various studies have shown that just 30 minutes of gardening a day can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart disease.

Despite the sun’s gift of vitamin D, it is still important to practise sun safety while out in the garden. Avoid gardening during the hottest part of the day and drink plenty of water. In addition to a hat and sunscreen, you could set up a chair in the shade or under an umbrella for peaceful breaks.

Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.

Sharpen your mind

Gardening stimulates your mind in surprising ways, which is great for maintaining your brain power and giving it a boost. As you work your way around the garden, pruning and planting, you’re improving dexterity in your hands, endurance in your body, problem-solving in your mind and sensory awareness in all of your senses. This encourages your mind to keep fit and sharp through use. Studies show that these activities can reduce the risk of dementia by more than a third.

You can gain these benefits without the need for strenuous activity. Be sure to choose lightweight gardening tools and an accessible garden layout to prevent gardening becoming too demanding on your mind and body.

Caregivers should create a safe and secure gardening space for seniors with dementia.

Improve your mood

When your garden blooms, you are surrounded by the beauty of what you have created. You see the wonderful colours, smell the pleasant aromas, hear the buzzing bees, taste the sweet fruits of your labour and feel the wonderful textures of nature. If this isn’t enough to lift your mood, the soil is bound to. Studies show that soil contains bacteria that can increase the levels of serotonin in your brain, making your feel good.

Enjoy a positive holistic experience for your mind and body.

by Rebecca McCallion