Gardening for the Elderly – Smiles, Health, and more
“Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years.”
The secret to a long, healthy life might just be waiting for you in your very own garden! Gardens have been fascinating havens of peace, creativity, and new beginnings for countless generations. And for seniors like you, gardening brings a whole bouquet of wonderful health benefits.
We know our residents sure do enjoy their time out in the gardens at Jah-Jireh and it has been a rewarding experience for them. We thought we could take a stroll through the top health benefits that gardening has to offer for the elderly and offer some tips that could help you or an elderly relative garden their way to good health!
Planting Smiles: The Benefits of Gardening for Seniors
1) Stress-Free Gardening for A Calm You
Picture this – a natural stress reliever right in your backyard! In a world full of screens and artificial entertainment, spending time with plants has a calming effect. It's like finding a tranquil oasis amid our busy lives.
Research shows that gardening reduces stress, improves sleep, and boosts self-esteem.
Suggestion for elderly gardeners: Gardening doesn't have to be a back-breaking chore! Raised garden beds and lightweight tools make gardening easier and more enjoyable.
2) Sunshine And Smiles – Get Your Vitamin D The Gardening Way!
Sun-kissed gardening can bring a sense of calm and tranquility to your day. Findings from a 2020 study of elderly adults backs up that fact:
- Perceived stress levels decreased by 6% after the introduction of the plants.
- 53% of residents showed healthy cortisol patterns.
- Over half (52%) of the residents said their front garden helped them be happier
- 40% said it helped them be more relaxed
- Over one in four (26%) said it helped them be closer to nature.
When you start gardening, it's like a beautiful symphony of goodness for your body and mind. Vitamin D from the sun, the joy of creating something beautiful, and the mindfulness that comes with tending to your garden –all team up to lower cortisol levels, which is fantastic for your overall health.
3) Dig, Lift, Thrive for Better Physical Health
A study by the American Society for Horticultural Science took a group of ladies over 70 and got them involved in a 15-session gardening program. The results were amazing! The low-to-moderate physical exertion from gardening had a great effect on their bodies. Their cholesterol levels dropped, blood pressure got better, and even oxidative stress reduced greatly.
Another study from Sage Open Medicine showed that gardening might be the secret sauce to reducing morbidity and mortality rates in older folk with cardiovascular disease. Who knew that something as simple as gardening could have such a profound impact on our well-being?
Gardening is like a fun workout – lifting pots, digging soil, and raking leaves are all great forms of exercise. It improves heart health, strengthens your body, and keeps you active.
4) Gardening for Joy and Mental Sharpness!
An article from April 22, 2005, Awake magazine says:
“Tending a garden especially benefits the elderly. Waiting for a new shoot or bud to appear helps them to look ahead positively.”
The Awake also brought out some insights from the Dr. Brigid Boardman of the Royal Horticultural Society:
“The garden provides an antidote to the pain and frustration of old age. The elderly often feel discouraged because of an increasing dependency on others … the need to be in control is met by our control of what we plant, how we plan the garden, and how it is tended. And the need to care is again fulfilled.”
Greening Your Space: Fun Indoor Gardening Ideas for Seniors
Although there is nothing quite like getting some fresh air and sun out in the garden, there are plenty of options to bring the garden indoors as well. Here are some fun ideas:
Pots on a Windowsill – Colors Inside Your Home!
Imagine having your very own indoor garden right on your windowsill! It's a fantastic way to start gardening without feeling overwhelmed and adds lovely bursts of color to your home.
Terrarium – Unleash Your Imagination!
Ready to let your creativity run wild? Creating your own terrarium is like building a mini enchanted garden! You can buy the materials or get a DIY kit to make it easier.
Mini Herb Kitchen Garden – Freshness in Your Cooking!
Get ready to become a master chef with your very own mini kitchen garden! It's a budget-friendly way to enjoy fresh herbs and boost your cooking game.
Remember, though, the main goal is to enjoy the process and have fun! Gardening is a beautiful way to add freshness and joy. So, pick your favorite idea or try them all – let your green thumbs work their charm! To wrap it up, here are some pictures from our garden.
