”To plant a garden is to say that you believe in tomorrow”
Gardening is a wonderful activity that gives us a feeling of being close to nature. While watching a garden bloom is a pleasant sight for the eyes, there is a different magic to it when you cultivate the garden yourself.
Gardening offers various physical as well as mental benefits. Seniors, especially, have a lot to gain from Gardening as it is known to have a positive impact on the mind and body. So, here are some of the most important health benefits of gardening for the elderly.
1. Reduces Stress
Stress and anxiety are common issues among the elderly. Mainly caused due to social isolation, increased stress levels can have a negative impact on the mental health of seniors.
However, one of the main benefits of gardening is that it can help reduce feelings of stress among the elderly. It is a refreshing activity for seniors and can also help them feel closer to Mother Nature.
2. Good Amount of Vitamin D
Outdoor activities are essential for our body to achieve the required levels of Vitamin D. Known to increase calcium levels in our body, Vitamin D improves bone strength and offers various benefits for the body’s immune system as well.
Since, Gardening allows seniors to stay in sunlight for a longer period of time, it ensures adequate amount of exposure to Vitamin D, which is one of the most important benefits of gardening for seniors.
3. Ideal Physical Exercise
Due to various medical issues and other physical limitations, seniors are often unable to exercise regularly. However, activities like Gardening are considered to be the ideal exercise for seniors as it requires them to constantly move and change positions.
This can have a positive effect on their overall body strength and flexibility. One of the main advantages of gardening is that keeps the muscles engaged and also improves mobility among seniors.
Apart from improving physical health, gardening is also known to…
4. Reduce Risk of Dementia
One of the many benefits of gardening is that requires the use of our problem-solving abilities along with our analytical and motor skills. Also, it engages various critical functions among seniors such as memory and sensory awareness.
Studies suggest that the regular use of these critical functions can help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s among the elderly. Thus, the benefits of gardening include increased brain activity and improved cognitive health in seniors.
5. Increased Social Interactions
Since, gardening is one of the most popular hobbies among seniors, it opens up the door for some exciting and helpful interactions with others. It allows them to talk to different people and exchange some valuable gardening tips as well.
Moreover, seniors can also participate in Virtual Gardening Workshops where they can discuss their love for gardening and ask for guidance from experts too.
6. Can Prevent Depression
During their old age, elders often face social isolation or depression. However, regular gardening is known to work as a natural anti-depressant and can help reduce the symptoms of depression among older adults.
Also, one of the most helpful benefits of gardening is that it can instil feelings of relaxation and calmness in seniors. Since, taking care of one’s mental health is very important, gardening can help reduce the risk of depression among the elderly.
7. Sense of Purpose
Although the retirement phase can be quite challenging for older adults, hobbies like Gardening can give seniors an opportunity to stay productive even after retirement.
This is one of the most important benefits of gardening for seniors as it keeps them engaged, helps them stay active and also gives them something to look forward to.
8. Builds Confidence
Lack of confidence is another problem that can prove to be quite challenging for seniors. Being dependent on others for most of their basic needs can cause seniors to experience low self-esteem as well.
This is why Gardening is an important activity for the elderly as they are involved in creating something beautiful and long-lasting. Taking care of the garden, maintaining the plants and watching them grow can improve their confidence and self-esteem.
9. Develop a Positive Mindset
Apart from improving their physical and mental health, Gardening allows seniors to have a more positive approach towards life. The fresh atmosphere in the garden can work wonders for their health and can help them stay relaxed as well.
Also, one of the most important benefits of gardening is that allows seniors to think freely. It helps them to develop a calm, positive and welcoming mindset.
So, these were some of the mental, physical and emotional benefits of gardening that can help seniors during their golden years. It is often said that the love for Gardening is a seed that never dies.
