The Benefits of Gardening in Your Golden Years

Introduction

As we get older it can become a challenge to remain active in our everyday lives and to stay engaged with the world around us, especially when living alone. Gardening is a great way to stay connected with people and nature whilst enjoying the benefits of the physical activity maintaining a garden requires. With spring just around the corner when would be a better time to get started in the garden?!  We take a look into the benefits that gardening offers.

Exercise

Though gardening may seem like a relaxing hobby it is also a low-impact activity which is a great work out for those older in age. Engaging in tasks such as, digging, pulling weeds, planting, repotting and watering can help to improve strength, bone health, flexibility and balance, helping to reduce the risk of falls and other injuries. Doing this form of exercise outdoors also means you get to bask in the sun and the benefits it offers and get some vitamin D from the rays of sunshine whilst enjoying some fresh air. An hour of pushing around a wheelbarrow and pulling those pesky weeds can be as beneficial as a session of weight lifting.

Mental Health

Doing some gardening can have a positive impact on an individual's mental health and overall wellbeing. It can provide feelings of accomplishment and purpose whilst reducing negative feelings such as loneliness and depression. Spending some time in nature and the great outdoors can reduce stress and anxiety. Caring for plants can be very therapeutic, often referred to as horticulture therapy. Studies have shown the act of gardening may also help to lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol levels giving you an increase in serotonin. This can be a big help if you are someone who is affected by seasonal affective disorder.

Grow Your Own

Growing your own fruits and vegetables can save you a lot of money on your supermarket shopping as well as providing you with fresh, nutritious and healthy produce, leading to a healthier diet. Being self sufficient in the fruit and vegetable department means you are less likely to have to run out to the shops if you run out of fresh produce or herbs if you have a herb garden. Growing your own fruit and vegetables will mean you are more likely to eat them and get in your 5 a day. You may even find that your own grown produce tastes better than the ones found at the supermarket! You can even experiment with new vegetables you may not have thought to buy.

For ways to squeeze in your 5 a day please see our previous post - Getting Your 5 a Day, Healthy Eating Advice For Over 50s

Socialising

In your own home gardening may seem like a solo activity but you can also look into community gardens or allotments to turn gardening into a social activity, giving you the opportunity to connect with other keen gardeners in your area, the chance to make new friends and boost your self-esteem. Gardening with your relatives can help you to bond and strengthen relationships, your younger relatives will also benefit from learning the beauty of nurturing plants and spending time with their loved one. If you live further away from family but they also have an enthusiasm for gardening you could share your experiences and photographs of your gardens when you catch up. If you don’t have a garden of your own you can ask a family member or friend if you can assist them with their garden. You could even join a gardening forum online, where you can share your knowledge and help others with constructive tips and ideas.

Gardening Adjustments

Many people have a love for their garden and maintaining it but stop due to mobility or dexterity issues, fortunately there are items and tools available which means you can continue getting your sleeves green:

• Raised beds are easily accessible in a seated position,
• Gardening stools and kneeling pads are available to purchase so you can sit while tending to your plants
• Soft grip handle tools to keep your hands and wrists in a comfortable, natural position

Remember to wear relevant clothing such as hats that cover face and back of neck and sun lotion in the warmer weather. 

Vegetable Seeds To Grow in March

• Broad Beans
• Chard
• Chillies
• Kale
• Peas
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Beetroot

You can find more information on how to plant the above seeds and more plants to grow in March at www.gardenersworld.com