Explore the Benefits of Gardening for Seniors
Why Gardening Can Be Beneficial for Seniors & Tips for Making It an Easy and Enjoyable Pastime
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to find activities that are both mentally and physically stimulating.
You’ve heard of practicing yoga, doing water aerobics, and other exercises, but feel those are not quite what you’re looking for.
But have you considered gardening?
Gardening is the perfect pastime for seniors as it offers several benefits and can be easily tailored to everyone’s needs and abilities.
Here you will learn more about why gardening is so beneficial for seniors and some tips for making it an easy and enjoyable pastime.
Why Is Gardening Good for Seniors?
Gardening can provide many physical and mental health benefits for seniors, such as:
Improving moods
Helping with stress relief
Stimulating the mind
Increasing energy levels; and
Improving the sense of well-being
Seniors need community, and gardening is a great way to meet people.
3 Physical Benefits of Gardening for Seniors
Gardening is one of the best activities for seniors because it is low-impact and easy on the body.
Seniors can get a lot of physical benefits from gardening that help them to stay active and healthy, like:
Maintaining dexterity
Participating in light exercise; and
Overall improving health conditions
#1: Dexterity Maintenance
As we age, it’s not uncommon for our dexterity to decline.
This can make everyday tasks more difficult and can even lead to a loss of independence.
Gardening is a great way to help maintain your dexterity, as it requires the use of both fine and gross motor skills.
A study published by The American Society for Horticulture Science found that older adults who were active gardeners had greater hand strength and dexterity than non-gardeners.
The study’s participants were aged 58 to 86, and the research showed that those who gardened had “significantly higher” grip strength than those who didn’t.
#2: Daily Light Exercise
Seniors need to get regular exercise, but it’s difficult to find an activity that is both easy on the joints and enjoyable.
Gardening is a perfect solution, as it provides a daily dose of light exercise without being too strenuous.
But how can you be sure seniors are not overdoing it?
Here are some considerations:
Check with a doctor before starting any new physical activity, including gardening.
Start slowly and gradually increase the time spent gardening as tolerated.
Stop gardening if you feel short of breath, have chest pain, or experience any other symptoms that concern you.
Tip: Seniors should ask for help if needed, especially with tasks that require lifting or bending.
#3: Overall Health Improvement
Some of the most well-known benefits of gardening are the improvements it can provide regarding health, including:
Heart health: A 2017 study shows that gardening can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Bone health: Gardening, as a low-intensity activity, can also be beneficial for bone health by reducing the risk of osteoporosis and improving bone density.
Mental health: Another study found that seniors with dementia who participated in indoor gardening saw improved cognition than those who did not garden. Gardening can also help to reduce stress levels and improve mood.
For seniors, these benefits can be especially important in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Tips To Help Seniors Make Gardening an Enjoyable Experience
In recent years, the popularity of gardening among seniors has increased dramatically.
According to the National Gardening Association, 35% of adults aged 50 and older are interested in starting or continuing to garden.
While it may seem like a lot of work, there are ways to make gardening an easy and enjoyable experience for seniors.
Get the Right Tools
One of the most important things to consider when gardening is what type of tools seniors will need.
For seniors with arthritis or another condition that limits mobility, it is important to choose tools that are easy to grip and handle.
There are a few different tools that can make gardening easier for seniors, such as:
Adaptive tools: Specifically designed for people with limited mobility or strength
Long-handled tools: Helpful if you have limited mobility
Short-handed tools: Designed specifically for seniors
These kinds of tools are often lighter and easier to grip, which can make them much more comfortable to use.
You may also want to consider raised garden beds or planters that can be placed at a comfortable height.
Consider the Type of Gardening
The type of gardening can also be a significant factor in deciding whether it’s the right activity.
Seniors with limited mobility, for example, may choose indoor gardening.
Also, seniors should consider the type of plants they want to grow. For example, if seniors are looking for something that requires minimal cutting or digging, succulents might be a good option.
For others, outdoor gardening may be beneficial. If this is the case, consider container gardening vs. bed gardening because:
Container gardens are often easier to maintain than beds because they require less weeding and watering; and
Garden beds can provide a more aesthetically pleasing look to your yard or patio
Finally, think about the level of commitment. If seniors only have time for a small patio garden, that’s perfectly fine.
Conversely, a more challenging project, such as starting a bed garden, may be a better option.
Care for a Communal Garden
There are many benefits of communal gardens for seniors, such as those found at senior living communities.
Communal gardens provide an environment where seniors can come together to garden and enjoy the many benefits that gardening provides.
Some benefits of communal gardens include:
Less work
Easily accessible resources; and
Connecting with other community members
Less work is required when gardening communally because there is usually a group of people working together to maintain the garden. This eliminates the need for individuals to do all the work themselves.
Additionally, communal gardens usually have resources that are easily accessible to everyone — including tools, water, and soil.
Communal gardens also provide an opportunity for seniors to connect with other community members. This is especially beneficial for those who may be isolated or alone and want to meet new people and make new friends.
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