How Does Your Garden Grow?
Many older adults want to engage in America’s number one outdoor leisure activity, gardening. Why? Aging well with gardening offers both psychological and physical health benefits. Preparing soil, pruning trees and shrubs, removing weeds and many other gardening techniques can offer an incredible sense of peace and serenity, and reduce stress.
To enjoy the benefits of gardening doesn’t mean that you have to maintain a large outdoor garden. In fact, all that’s required is a love of nature from tomatoes to daffodils, and a willingness to nurture and care for them whether inside your home, or outside your home seasonally.
If you don’t live in a home with a yard, you could plant a “container garden” on your balcony, patio, or porch. You can also grow a vegetable garden within a raised bed. They typically stand at least 30 inches tall, making it perfect for those who don’t like to bend down or lean over while they garden. Raised beds take very little space, and are super easy to maintain.
Aging Well with Gardening
Keep in mind that gardening isn’t just good for your body, it is also good for your soul and can be very therapeutic. A survey in Gardeners World revealed that 80% of people who garden consider themselves to be happy. In addition to boosting mood, gardening gives older adults a meaningful, productive activity to engage in each day or on the weekends. Regular physical activity like gardening reduces stress and produces beautiful flowers for butterflies to enjoy, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, and irresistible herbs for wellness and healthy living.
Gardening is America’s favorite leisure outdoor activity, enjoyed by more than 78 million people, according to the National Gardening Association. For many of us, gardening provides a respite, a sanctuary that promises relief from the challenges of life. Aging well with gardening will not only enrich the life of older adults who want to thrive at home and age in place it can also be physically, mentally, and spiritually rewarding.
