Senior Spotlight: 10 Benefits of Gardening As You Age

Spring is so close we can feel it – can you?! One of our most favorite parts of spring is all that blooms, both in the great outdoors and within our souls. Nothing brings about peace and renewal like brighter nights, longer days and color abound outdoors. Gardening not only feels good – but has been scientifically proven to have actual benefits to our physical and mental health, quality of life and even socialization. Below are 10 amazing reasons why older adults should consider embracing the gits that come with gardening… even if you grow nothing but weeds! 😉

10 Benefits of Gardening

1. Less Stress. Older adults who garden have been found to experience better sleep patterns, less stress and enhanced self-esteem (Cambridge University Press).

2. Better Nutrition. We all know that fresh fruits and vegetables offer higher nutrition and growing them yourself makes access easier than ever.

3. Optimal Vitamin D. Tending to the garden increases your time in the sun – which boosts Vitamin D levels needed for strong bones and a robust immune system. (Be sure to wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water and check your medications for sun interactions first!)

4. Increased Activity Levels. Regular light exercise improves heart health & physical strength; lifting small potted plants, digging in the soil and raking leaves are all activities that fit the bill. (Raised garden beds are a back-saver too!)

5. Shared Connection. Gardening is a great way to drive socialization. Consider gardening with your grandkids, contributing to a community garden or flower shopping with friends.

6. More Happiness. A review of research has demonstrated that contact with nature is associated with increases in happiness and a sense of meaning and purpose in life. (University of Washington) You know what we say about living longer & living better…

7. Harnessing Core Cognitive Skills. Being exposed to natural environments has been shown to improve working memory and cognitive flexibility as well as enhance cognitive control. (Current Directions in Psychological Science)

8. Restoration & Recuperation. Other studies have supported that seeing landscapes and hearing natural sounds leads to a refreshed brain that makes fewer mistakes and increases performance on challenging cognitive tasks. (Journal of Environmental Psychology; Psychonomic Bulletin & Review)

9. Continuing Independence. Gardening is not only a great chance to meet others, but to stay less reliant on adult children and caregivers. After all, if you can make progress in the garden – you may be strong and motivated enough to continue caring for yourself longer too.

10. Don’t Forget Dexterity. Older adults who garden have significantly higher grip strength than those who don’t, and get more regular practice with fine and gross motor skills. (The American Society for Horticulture Science)

We hope no matter what inspires you to garden – that the benefits that follow provide more health and happiness than you expected. And as others admire your hard work and bountiful color and greenery, may you find peace knowing that have spread the joy to onlookers too!

Resources Used: Nurse Next Door, Cambridge University Press, American Psychological Association, IntegraCare, Senior Services of America 

Happy planting,

Bobbi

Bobbi Decker
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