Added on September 29, 2017 by Lucy_Wyndham
One of the great joys of growing old is finally having the time to do the things you've always wanted—like growing your very own garden. Gardening encourages spending time with nature, allowing people to be more in touch with natural beauty and realize the benefits of being outdoors. Studies in public health show that people in the U.S. spend up to 90% of their time indoors, which can lead to a sedentary, isolated lifestyle, especially for seniors.
This is why it is all more important for older people to find a hobby, like gardening, that allows them to interact with nature regularly and enjoy the great outdoors. Not only is gardening a great way to reduce stress, but it also helps burn calories and strengthens the immune system, thanks to the sun's gift of vitamin D. While many seniors may shy away from gardening due to the potential physical toll, there are actually a variety of gardening tools and techniques that can make the activity easy at any age
For seniors living in an assisted living facility or who have a caregiver, it may be challenging to carve out the space for a personal garden. But luckily there are a variety of options for starting a garden, no matter the amount of space you may be working with. For seniors, there are vertical planters specifically designed for small spaces, which can be great for growing herbs and flowers in a limited environment, like an apartment complex.
Many plants and even some vegetables can also be grown indoors if you do not have the outdoor space. This can be helpful for seniors who may struggle to get outdoors or who live in cold environments. By keeping plants along the windowsill in the kitchen or in the bedroom, elderly people can be given a sense of purpose, as they will have something to take care of every single day. Indoor plants will also brighten any room and add to the overall ambience of the space.
After finding the right space, seniors can also purchase gardening tools that are tailored to ease the chores that come along with growing season. Purchasing a rolling garden scooter can eliminate the need to bend down when gardening outside, and it is also a great storage system for all gardening supplies. Inside, seniors can keep their tools, many of which have been adapted to help people with arthritis and joint issues. Another great way to donate gardening pains is to purchase a kneeling bench, which can be easily transported, elevated, and used in a variety of positions.
By designating a location that is set up for gardening and by gathering the right tools, seniors can enjoy growing their own plants in order to reduce stress levels and get creative with nature.
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Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash