Seeing a loved one age can be hard, and it’s natural to want this time of their life to be comfortable, fun, and full of activities. All you want for them is for them to be able to take care of themselves, be happy, and stay healthy for a long time. One of the best things you can do for an older person is to help them find a hobby or a physical activity they enjoy. 

Gardening may be one of the best hobbies for older people because it keeps the body and mind busy in a healthy way. It’s a great way to stay healthy and full of energy, and most people find it very relaxing and satisfying. 

It’s therapeutic to tend a garden full of life, beauty, and potential. Many medical professionals, scientists, and psychiatrists from all around the world advocate gardening for its health benefits. 

The holistic impact of gardening is a source of empowerment. This has positive effects on one’s physical endurance, mental health, and stress levels. In addition to energizing our senses, it also brings us closer to the natural world. It’s a great way for older people to get a cardio workout, lose weight, and keep their bodies limber. 

Let’s look at some of the many reasons why gardening is a good idea.

1. Gardening uplifts the spirit and reduces stress – 

When you garden, your brain releases serotonin, a chemical that makes you feel calm and peaceful. This makes you feel better and reduces stress. Studies have found that gardening may reduce signs of sadness. 

According to one study, exposure to a certain soil bacterium causes the brain to produce serotonin, which acts as a natural antidepressant. This may be the reason “horticulture therapy” is becoming more popular as a kind of treatment for those suffering from depression.

2. Gardening increases strength. Gardening may improve strength and mobility in addition to being a helpful physical activity. As we age, our joints lose a lot of their mobility and range of motion. Additionally, we are much less active, which over time results in our muscles losing strength and flexibility. 

Seniors who regularly garden experience improved mobility and well-lubricated joints. People who have had a stroke have found that gardening helps them get their strength and mobility back. This is because gardening uses muscles that don’t get used as often. 

After gardening, seniors can do stretching exercises often to reduce the chance of getting hurt, increase blood flow, improve balance and coordination, and gain better control of their muscles. 

3. Gardening soothes the aging mind. Because gardening involves all of the senses—smell, sight, sound, touch, and the bonus by-product at the end: taste—it promotes mindfulness. Growing a garden might help you feel more in charge and responsible. By taking care of plants and gardens, we feel successful because we can see the results of our hard work. 

Each plant only needs a small amount of attention, so watching it may be a big relief for seniors. It has also been shown to help treat dementia, lower blood pressure, and make sleep better. 

While gardening might keep you occupied in the yard for hours, it also encourages you to venture outside. It involves regular travels to garden centers and farmer’s markets and provides a fantastic opportunity to chat with neighbors and fellow gardeners.

4. Gardening boosts health and well-being –  Generally, spending time in nature is associated with enhanced health of the mind and body. Gardening is a low-impact physical activity that gives us moderate cardiovascular exercise, which raises our body’s levels of the happy emotions dopamine and serotonin. Also, it aids in lowering the level of the stress hormone cortisol.

Regular gardening can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke by as much as 30% for persons over 60, according to research. The risk of obesity, depression, osteoporosis, colon cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions is reduced by regularly maintaining a garden. 

5. Gardening improves social connections – Spending time with friends, family, and other relatives is an important part of healthy aging for seniors. According to AARP, seniors who regularly participate in social activities outlive those who experience loneliness and enjoy better health.

Since gardening is one of the most popular activities for seniors, it gives them a chance to meet new people and have fun. Community gardens provide a venue for social contact and teamwork, as well as improving the mental health and wellness of socially isolated elders. It’s a great way to meet new people who share your interests and swap gardening tips while having a nice chat.

All of these benefits make gardening a therapeutic and fun activity for home caregivers to do with our parents and grandparents. In reality, gardening offers so many health advantages that most individuals aren’t even aware of them. People generally feel better after investing some time in their garden than they would after working out at a nearby club or even after taking a walk outside. Inspire a loved one to start gardening with you today. 

Inspire a loved one to start gardening with you today. 

Here are some ways you can help your friend or family member get into gardening: 

• Get them a couple gardening books you know they’ll enjoy. 
• Get them started by prepping the garden bed or 
• providing them with the essential gardening gear, such as gardening gloves, a sun hat, and seeds. 

There are numerous things you can do to keep your loved one active, but gardening is particularly well-suited to their age group. Most senior citizens I know plant a garden at least twice a year and give the plants their undivided attention. 

At SeniorBees, we want to give our seniors a way of life that helps them stay healthy and independent by letting them take part in a wide range of interesting activities. Get in touch with us right away if you’re interested in finding out more about the services we provide.