How Gardening for Seniors Can Help Improve Mental and Physical Health
Spring is here and it is time to start prepping your garden. Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. In fact, the American people spend nearly $48 billion per year on gardening.
There are many physical and mental benefits of growing a personal garden. For starters, you can integrate the fruits and vegetables that you grow into a healthy diet. In addition, gardening is therapeutic and gives you a sense of purpose.
Read on for a comprehensive guide to gardening for seniors. Explore the many ways in which gardening improves your overall health.
Stimulation
Gardening is an activity that triggers all 5 of the body’s senses. Feel the Earth’s soil as you dig a hole to plant a flower or seed. Once your fruit or vegetable grows, see the garden’s beauty.
You will hear the sounds of nature as bees and other creatures visit your garden. Finally, you get to enjoy the smell and taste of your garden’s byproducts.
Learning Experience
A popular adage states that it is never too late to teach old dogs a new trick. Growing a garden is good for your aging mind.
You have an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of gardening. This requires reading, watching videos, and doing research. This type of brain stimulation is great for keeping your mind sharp.
Stress Relief
It turns out that gardening is a natural stress reliever. Medical studies show that gardening reduces stress and anxiety.
Your body’s stress hormone is called cortisol. Too much cortisol has an adverse impact on blood pressure and glucose levels. Gardening is effective in reducing cortisol levels, meaning less stress and anxiety.
Reduce the Risk of Dementia
As they get older, many seniors fear getting diagnosed with dementia. Taking up gardening as a hobby can actually reduce that risk.
According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, gardening can reduce the risk of dementia by 36%. By gardening routinely, you are maintaining motor skills. You are also boosting dexterity and sensory awareness, two core functions critical to staving off dementia.
Promote Inner Calm and Peace
Who knew that gardening had similar mental effects as yoga and meditation? Gardening is widely known to promote inner calm and peace.
Bacteria found in garden soil triggers the release of serotonin. This is a chemical found in the brain that controls your mood. For this reason, researchers consider gardening therapeutic and a natural anti-depressant.
Improve Your Physicality and Mobility
Gardening also has many physical benefits. It will keep you physically active and mobile.
You will need to carry fertilizer, water, and other supplies to the garden. Your caregiver can help with these tasks if necessary.
There, you will perform physical activities like digging small holes and spreading fertilizer. The bottom line is that gardening helps keep muscles active and maintains physical strength.
A Recap of Gardening for Seniors
There are very few hobbies in life with as many benefits as gardening. With gardening, you can build a source of food supply. At the same time, you are enjoying physical and mental benefits.
If you enjoyed this article about gardening for seniors, contact us today to learn about other great activities for the elderly.
