Benefits of Gardening for Seniors
April showers bring May flowers! With spring just beginning, now is the perfect time to pick up your gardening gloves. At Westminster Village in West Lafayette, IN, our resident gardening program is a great favorite, with individually gated and fenced-off plots perfect for vegetables, flowers, herbs, and more! Plus, from mid-summer through fall, our beautiful Dahlia Garden is enjoyed by everyone and tended to by two master gardener residents.
Keep reading to discover 4 key gardening health benefits for older adults, plus need-to-know tips and tricks to get started.
Keep Your Body Moving
Whether you’re bending and stretching or working with a raised planter, gardening is an amazing way to keep your body both in motion and flexible. Physical exercise for seniors is important for your overall health, but especially the heart and cardiovascular system. Gardening is an amazing way to both exercise and have fun while doing it!
Spend Time With Friends
Gardening is also great for making new friends and spending time with others. Shared interests (like stretching your green thumb!) are a perfect way to form connections and build a foundation for meaningful relationships. Seniors interested in gardening can join a club or interest group — like our resident gardening program at Westminster Village!
Support Your Mental & Emotional Health
Almost all forms of exercise have mental and emotional health benefits. Gardening is no exception! Spending time growing in the garden can reduce your stress, boost your mood, and even be a therapeutic, calming activity as you slow down and focus on your task.
In addition to relaxation, the sense of reward and purpose you can attain is very healthy, as is the problem-solving and daily or weekly structure that accompanies maintaining a successful garden.
Get Some Sunshine!
The sun isn’t just good for flowers and plants! Sunshine is one of our primary sources of vitamin D, which is important for bone health and your immune system. Spending time in the garden is a great way to soak up those healthy rays!
Gardening Tips For Seniors
Ready to get started in the garden? Here are some keep tips and tricks to keep in mind for gardening for older adults:
- Thoughtful design: It’s important to work with your abilities when gardening as a senior. Vertical trellises, raised planters, and raised garden beds are all great ways to limit stooping or unwanted stretching.
- Choosing your plants: Keep in mind how involved or maintenance-heavy different species of plants and flowers are. How much time do you have to devote to your garden? Do you want to prune your garden regularly, or would you prefer types of plants that can prosper on their own? Other important considerations are the weather in your area, what type of sunlight your garden will get, and if your soil will need fertilizer
- Be aware of the weather: While rain and sun are good for plants, you have to look out for your own health, too. Make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen, stay hydrated while outside, don’t spend too long in the sun, and bundle up when weeding if a cold snap hits.
Experience Retirement in Full Bloom at Westminster VillageDiscover a garden of possibilities at our senior living community in West Lafayette, Indiana. From the Resident Garden to The Village Salon and modern, extensive library (complete with a fireplace!) you’re sure to find something you love! Contact us today to learn more and come see our welcoming retirement community for yourself.
