Gardening is not merely a leisure activity, however it is probably one of the most effective strategies that could help to improve the quality of life for humans, especially the elderly. Gardening commonly entails interacting with nature in some way, and this shows that the involvement has numerous advantages that can help to enhance quality of living. In this article, the author aims to know more about how information about gardening can improve physical fitness and mental health of the elderly population, as well as showing realistic tips and procedures to help the readers get the most of gardening.
Increases Physical Activity
Gardening is another type of exercise that covers a number of activity domains but exerts relatively low physical effort that can benefit seniors while not being taxing on their bodies. Working on different tasks such as digging, planting, weeding, and watering engages the muscles and the heart. It is a delightful idea if gardening is done from time to time since it assists in strengthening, balancing and building stamina of muscles that are used in gardening.
Start with manageable tasks: Start by pulling out small weeds such as seeds or watering plants before tasks such as lifting sacks of soil, mature plants, or manure that require more energy. Employ appropriate tools that help minimize discomfort on arms and wrists∗.
Enhances Mobility and Flexibility
Due to the nature of gardening, which requires one to bend, stretch, or reach, gardening plays an important role in shaping joints’ flexibility and mobility. This is especially true because after some years of service, elderly people may experience situations like arthritis pains.
Use raised beds and vertical gardening: These beds help to minimize times when one has to bend while gardening and are therefore easier to manage. Other examples are vertical gardens or wall planters that can also introduce the element in an easier to access way. Here are some vertical gardening tips and ideas.
Improves Bone Health
Gardening as a form of work sometimes require lifting of loads and tasks such as bending which enhance bone strength and density. The following is imperative to the elderly in avoiding occurrence of osteoporosis and consequent fractures.
Incorporate weight-bearing activities: The activities like carrying watering cans, lifting small bags of soil, or even using a wheelbarrow to transport soil, plants, or fertilizer will stimulate the bones and strengthen them. The weights used in the exercise must not be too heavy to be lifted or used frequently by the client in order to prevent injuries.
Promotes Better Sleep
Newquist argues that through engaging in physical activities such as trimming, weeding, watering and moving plants in the garden, and taking fresh air one is likely to improve on sleeping patterns. As it turn out, most seniors attributed the increase in their sleep to specific gardening tasks, as it helped them go to sleep faster and give them longer and sound nights’ sleep.
Learn more about Healthy Sleep.
Gardening schedule: It is advised that you should do gardening in the morning or early afternoon since evening activity might have an impact on your sleep cycle. It is also good to have a replica of set gardening practice to help activate your sleep regulation system.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Taking care of plants is a beneficiary issue for people who have stress issues and in general, gardening has a positive impact on cut stress levels. Manual gardening as a set of activities proven soothing as they involve repetitive movements that allow the worker to discharge irrelevant thoughts and be distracted while working.
Create a sensory garden: There is nothing like integrating plants that bring multi-sensory experience to our lives, hence there is the need to include herbs that produce an aromatic fragrance, flowers with beautiful colors, and foliage that has an interesting touch. It can also add to the relaxation process and ensure that the patient gets some forms of stimulation that would be good for him/her.
Confidence in Social Situations and Self-esteem
Spending time in nature, when one is gardening or simply gardening improves mood and gives people a positive “vibe”. A past study also shows that tending your garden increases serotonin levels; a compound that has positive effects on moods.
Plant favorite flowers or vegetables: Having grown some plants that you love adds some extra feeling into the process. Enjoying the results of people’s work – blossoming flowers, ripe tomatoes, and other garden crops – can be joyful and fulfilling.
Improves Cognitive Function
Gardening encompasses an element of designing, decision-making, and informatics with regards to various plants and gardening. These activities help the brain and could reduce the effect of dementia as the brain is made active by these activities.
Keep a gardening journal: Record keeping activities such as planting schedules, growth progression, or gardening testing can help in keeping the mind challenged. It also serves as a motivational factor of seeing how your garden is changing as time goes on.
Enhances Social Connections
It’s a social practice because gardening is done by individuals and offers a way of mingling with other people, exchanging ideas on what to do and even being involved in communal gardening. They are important for maintaining one’s sanity by minimizing feelings of loneliness and isolation that come with being in a room with other people.
Join a gardening club or community garden: Being part of a group can also offer more chances of social support as well as social relevance. Go to conferences, seminars or openings of new gardens or nurseries to familiarize yourself with people into gardening.
Adapt Your Garden Space
Raised Beds and Containers: These make gardening easier for the disabled and also those with restricted movements due to various conditions. This gardening method helps to avoid bending over, and if correctly planned, the beds should be at an appropriate height.
Easy-to-Reach Tools: Reduce fatigue when working on cars by employing lengthy handles on numerous important implements as well as opting for lightweight, comfortable to employ-like designs where possible.
Pace Yourself
Take Regular Breaks: Educate oneself and take rest whenever you feel too exhausted with the task in activity.
Stay Hydrated: It is good to have one’s own water bottle around to keep one refreshed, particularly if the weather is warm.
Incorporate Comfort
Garden Seating: Since gardening requires a lot of kneeling, have a small stool or bench which they could use to rest their legs. This is especially true for kneeling pads, which is also a great additional accessory to use during prayers.
Protective Gear: Wear gloves, a hat, and sunscreen to reduce chances you get skin damage and to protect yourself against injuries.
Conclusion
Gardening is a great activity that should be encouraged in order to improve the physical and mental health of seniors. It provides adequate physical exercise; mental exercise; and the kind of emotional endorphins that are essential for a healthy life. With the help of practical goals and making some necessary changes with reference to the garden environment and conditions the problems of seniors can be solved allowing them to enjoy the health benefits of gardening and, therefore, have a happy life. So get your tools, and go to your garden, and put yourself in the hands of the creator for a natural cure.
Wanna get more practical tips on gardening? Visit Benefits of Gardening for Seniors & 9 Practical Tips
