Gardens are attractive, calming environments that can alleviate stress and create a sense of peace. The practice of tending gardens can also be extremely beneficial. This is especially true for seniors as they negotiate the challenges of the aging process. Here are a few reasons aging adults should consider maintaining gardens.
Increased Bone Density
Research performed by the National Wildlife Federation suggests women aged 50 and above can gain significant increases in bone density by gardening. According to the study, gardening just once each week could have far more benefits for bone density than any other form of light physical activity. Thus, gardening is a great way to keep conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis at bay.
Decreased Depression & Anxiety
Gardening is cathartic, and even just the process of spending time in a garden can have stress-reducing benefits. Gardeners enjoy a sense of peace and calm as they perform their work. Focusing on tending to plants and removing weeds takes their thoughts away from circumstances that lie beyond their control.
Engaging in enjoyable outdoor activities like gardening is a great way for seniors to stay mentally active and enhance their quality of life. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior care. 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.
A Sense of Accomplishment
A decrease in mobility or cognitive function can take a tremendous toll on self-esteem, and many seniors lack sufficient confidence to try new things or engage in previously enjoyable activities. The sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from well-tended gardens helps seniors feel more proactive and positive about their lives.
The cognitive stimulation and emotional rewards gardening provides can be especially beneficial for aging adults with dementia. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Lincoln families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
Weight Balance
Gardening isn’t just good for building up bone density. It’s also great for burning calories. It can be an intense physical activity that engages a wide variety of muscles. Best of all, it’s a low-impact exercise, which means it won’t put any undue stress on joints and bones. A single hour spent gardening may burn as many as 250 calories.
Better Heart Health
Seniors who garden can experience significant benefits for their heart health. This is largely due to better mood balance and less stress and anxiety. Recent research suggests avid gardeners can cut their risk of heart disease by up to 30 percent. This is the result of increased sun exposure and a lower likelihood of a vitamin D deficiency.
If your loved one needs help with gardening tasks or other beneficial activities, consider hiring a home caregiver. In Lincoln, homecare agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Call Home Care Assistance today at (916) 226-3737 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.