There’s something about being outside and digging in the dirt that just feels right — the sun on your skin, the smell of rich, dark soil, the anticipation of watching what you’ve planted grow and bloom. Even pulling weeds can be surprisingly satisfying. But did you know there are also health benefits of gardening for seniors that go beyond the joy of the activity? It’s true. Here’s how getting your hands dirty can be good for your body, mind, and overall well-being.
Cultivate Your Health
Gardening as part of a senior living lifestyle has been shown to provide a variety of health benefits, including:
- Less stress: High levels of cortisol — also known as the stress hormone — can make you feel overwhelmed and anxious. Studies have shown that gardening can lower cortisol levels, helping reduce stress and even high blood pressure.
- More happiness: Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for your mood and well-being. The sun’s rays stimulate your body to produce vitamin D and increase serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin improves your mood and helps you feel calm and centered.
- Decreased risk of heart disease and stroke: Gardening is a moderately intense exercise that helps burn calories and can count toward the recommended 30 minutes of daily physical activity. Plus, sunlight exposure increases vitamin D, which may lower your risk of heart disease.
- Better mobility: Gardening engages lesser-used muscles and is a productive way to maintain strength, coordination, and mobility.
- Improved brain health: Gardening taps into critical functions like dexterity, problem-solving, endurance, and sensory awareness — all of which may help reduce the risk of dementia. Even short sessions in the garden can help maintain motor skills and improve strength and endurance.
- Stronger immune system: Studies have shown that Mycobacterium vaccae — a “friendly” bacteria found in garden soil — may alleviate symptoms of allergies, asthma, psoriasis, and even depression.
Tips for Safe Gardening
While gardening offers many benefits, it’s important to be mindful of common risks like falls, muscle strain, and sunburn. Fortunately, gardening is highly adaptable and can be modified to suit a wide range of physical abilities. Here are a few safety tips to help you enjoy the health benefits of gardening:
- Work above ground level: Use flowerpots or raised beds to minimize back strain and reduce the risk of dizziness or falls.
- Lighten up: Traditional gardening tools and buckets can become heavy. Opt for lightweight tools to reduce physical strain.
- Avoid the burn: Garden during cooler times of the day. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Take a seat: Include a comfortable spot to sit in your garden. It provides a place to relax and can be essential if you start to feel overheated or dizzy.
Plant the Seeds for a More Fulfilling Retirement
As any gardener knows, the best way to help something grow is with care and thoughtful planning. Life is no different. At Santa Marta, our active senior living community provides the perfect environment for residents to blossom and thrive. We also feature a community Memory Care Garden, funded by our resident-driven Santa Marta Garden Fund, to create beautiful, peaceful spaces where residents and their families can gather, reflect, and make lasting memories.
To learn more about the benefits of therapeutic gardening and all that we have growing on, contact one of our helpful senior living counselors.
