Aside from being a relaxing hobby, gardening has many therapeutic benefits for seniors, especially if it’s a combination of flower and edible gardening. The setup of the landscape and the tools used can easily be modified to accommodate capabilities, allowing many seniors to enjoy the following health benefits of gardening regardless of physical abilities.
1. Provides a Safe Form of Exercise
Gardening is a safe low-impact form of exercise. From digging and weeding to carrying a bag or two of soil or fertilizer, the movements associated with gardening work various muscle groups in a way that maintain strength and flexibility.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Huntsville, AL, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Minimizes Back and Joint Pain
Light exercise is often recommended for seniors with back or joint pain to maintain muscle strength. For seniors with a passion for gardening, it’s not difficult to find the motivation to do a little work in the garden each day.
3. Reduces Stress
Psychological stress can impact every aspect of senior health. One way to de-stress is to focus on a hobby like gardening, which is a set-your-own-pace activity conducive to relaxation.
4. Boosts Cognitive Skills
Managing and planning a garden is an excellent way to boost and maintain cognitive skills. Whether it’s determining how far to space new plantings apart or establishing an appropriate watering schedule, gardening involves some degree of orderly thinking.
Maintaining good cognitive health can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Huntsville Home Care Assistance provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method was designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives.
5. Provides an Incentive to Eat Healthier
Planting some vegetables, herbs, and spices provides a readily available source of fresh food and healthy ingredients. Seniors can use what they grow to make nutritious and tasty meals on a regular basis.
6. Increases Social Activity
Numerous studies suggest maintaining an active social lifestyle can help seniors keep their minds sharp while also reducing the risk of depression. While sometimes a solo effort, gardening also provides opportunities to socialize and interact with grandchildren and neighbors. Seniors can also participate in local community gardens.
Gardening is just one of the many everyday activities seniors may need assistance with. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Reach out to one of our friendly Care Managers today at (256) 716-9940 to schedule a complimentary consultation.