Community Corner
Gardening for Senior Health and Wellness
Spring is officially here, and warmer weather is calling people of all ages outdoors.
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Spring is officially here, and warmer weather is calling people of all ages outdoors. For many older adults, spending time outdoors contributes to greater physical and mental health. What better way to spend time outdoors than planting and cultivating a garden? Fun, purposeful, engaging, and productive, gardening has many benefits for seniors.
The Landing of Collegeville Senior Living community gives us a closer look at the benefits of gardening for older adults and invites you to join them for their upcoming Home and Garden Show for Seniors on April 27 and April 28.
Boost Senior Health with Horticulture Therapy
We know it feels good to be outside, often saying we “need a breath of fresh air.” It’s more than our feelings; it’s actually brain chemistry. Gardening can increase serotonin levels, decrease stress levels, and engage our minds, bodies, and spirits in new and exciting ways. Take a closer look at the benefits of gardening (also known as horticulture therapy) for seniors.
1. Gardening may prevent dementia.
While no one knows what exactly causes Alzheimer’s and how to prevent the disease, research has shown that positive life choices do have an impact on the risk of developing the disease. Gardening is one such lifestyle choice that may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia. Engaging critical functions like dexterity, problem-solving, endurance, and sensory awareness, studies have found that gardening can reduce the risk of dementia by as much as 36 percent.
2. Gardening can help older adults maintain mobility.
In addition to being a great form of physical exercise, gardening can increase mobility and strength. Keeping lesser-used muscles engaged, gardening has been shown to be a productive way of rebuilding strength and mobility following a stroke.
3. Gardening may reduce the risk of stroke in older adults.
Gardening is a moderately intense exercise and can count towards the expert-recommended 30 minutes of exercise daily. A study from Stockholm found that regular gardening can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by as much as 30% for people over 60. Additionally, being outside in a sunny garden can increase vitamin D levels, which has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Gardening is a natural anti-depressant.
Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that increases mood and feelings of calmness and peace. Some studies have even linked gardening to a reduction in symptoms of depression. One study found that contact with certain bacteria in soil triggers the release of serotonin in the brain and works as a natural anti-depressant. This may be why ‘horticulture therapy’ is a growing form of therapy that has shown positive results for people with depression and other mental illnesses.
5. Gardening lowers stress.
Studies have found that gardening can lower levels of cortisol which can alleviate stress and even reduce high blood pressure. One study asked participants to perform a stressful task and then asked them to either garden or read for 30 minutes. Both groups showed a reduction in stress levels, but the group that gardened showed a greater decline in cortisol than the reading group. The gardening group also exhibited a positive mood, while the reading group experienced a further decline in mood. Additionally, being out in the sunlight and creating a beautiful space to rest and relax will bring peace and a reduction in anxiety.
Safe Gardening Tips for Seniors
Generally, gardening is a safe activity for older adults because it can be adapted to meet a variety of abilities. However, gardening can increase the risks of falls and the chance of overheating, wandering, and heat exhaustion for many older adults. These tips can help keep older adults safer while reaping the extensive benefits of gardening.
1. Create an enclosed garden for seniors with dementia.
If you are concerned about a senior with dementia wandering while outside gardening, create a secure environment to protect them. Consider making it a joint activity and work together to create a beautiful space.
2. Provide seating in your garden.
Have somewhere to sit in your garden. Not only with this make your garden more inviting, but it will also give the gardener a place to rest and relax while gardening. It can also be helpful if your loved one starts to become dizzy or overheated.
3. Be protected from the sun.
Be careful to avoid the garden in the hottest part of the day, wear sunscreen, and have an umbrella to protect yourself or your loved one from the dangers of the sun. Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated in the heat to avoid dehydration.
4. Use lightweight tools and buckets.
Over time, gardening tools and buckets can start to feel heavy. Switch them out for lighter-weight items to ease the physical stress of gardening.
5. Consider potted plants and raised bed gardens.
Using potted plants or raised beds can help prevent back strain and avoid feelings of dizziness. Because these plants and raised beds are off the ground, often at waist level, it is much easier for an older adult to move freely without the risk of muscle strain or falling.
To learn more about gardening and its many benefits for older adults, join The Landing of Collegeville for their Home and Garden Show for Seniors on April 27 and April 28. They will have a native plant swap, local home and garden vendors, farm-to-table cooking demonstrations, floral arranging tips, and more! The senior living community will also be hosting a champagne fundraiser for Heroic Gardens, a nonprofit that helps veterans experience the healing power of nature, on April 27 at 5:00 pm. RSVP today by calling (484)854-1600!
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