Gardening has many health and therapeutic benefits for older people. The love of gardening spans generations. Its benefits extend beyond baskets of veggies or flowers nestled in a vase. Gardening enriches your body, your diet and your spirit.
Seniors can get particular benefit because gardening:
• Is an enjoyable form of exercise.
• Encourages use of all motor skills, walking, reaching and bending – through activities of planning seeds and taking cuttings.
• Improves endurance and strength.
• Can help prevent diseases like osteoporosis.
• Reduces stress levels and provides relaxation.
• Provides nutritious, home-grown produce.
Here are a few suggested safety tips when it comes to gardening with seniors:
• Raise beds to enable people with physical restrictions to avoid bending and stooping.
• Provide wheelbarrows and containers on castors to make suitable moveable and elevated garden beds.
• Use lightweight tools that are easier to handle.
• Ensure that paths and walkways are flat and non-slip
• Have stable chairs and tables to use for comfortable gardening.
• Ensure that there is a tap nearby or consider installing a drip feeder system for easy watering
• Garden early in the day and be sure to always wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen
• Drink plenty of water!
In addition to benefiting our seniors, if you have children or grand-children, introducing them to gardening will get them moving and exercising, setting them up for a good health routine when they get older.
Finally, bird-watching can be both fun and relaxing for anyone, especially seniors!
A simple bird-feeder can create hours of enjoyment, year-round.
So, take time to enjoy the beauty of gardening, a fun, stimulating, activity that can be enjoyed by all.
For more information on activities for seniors, contact Mary Dembkowski at Summerhill Villa. Our phone number is 661-254-9933.