December 2022

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Regardless of whether you are just starting on your gardening journey or have been gardening for years, there are always ways to make the experience better and to get more from it. 

Ageing adults often find plenty of time on their hands, especially if they have retired from work. Gardening is a great way to fill that time and keep busy. It also offers other benefits, such as improved physical health, mental well-being, social interaction, etc.

Eight Ways Gardening Helps Ageing Adults

1. Gardening can help improve your mood and reduce stress levels.

Gardening is a great way to improve mood and reduce stress levels, especially as you get older. Studies have shown that horticultural therapy can help reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness in seniors. 

There are many benefits to gardening for seniors, including the opportunity to be outside in the fresh air, get some exercise, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Gardening can also provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

2. Gardening can help keep your mind active and sharp.

There are several ways that gardening can help keep your mind sharp. For example, planting and caring for flowers or vegetables can help improve your memory, as well as your ability to plan and organise. 

Working in the dirt can also help stimulate your senses, which can aid in problem-solving and critical thinking. In addition to the mental benefits, gardening also has several physical benefits. Gardening can help improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. 

3. Gardening can help you stay physically active and fit.

Gardening can help people stay physically active as they age. It is a low-impact form of exercise that can help to maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. Gardening also requires the use of small muscles, which can help to prevent falls and other injuries. 

In addition to the physical benefits, gardening can also provide mental and emotional benefits. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help reduce stress and improve mood. For many people, gardening is also a social activity that can help reduce isolation and loneliness.

4. Gardening can help you meet new people and make new friends.

Gardening can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends, especially for ageing adults who may be feeling isolated or lonely. 

It can provide many opportunities for social interaction, whether you're working side-by-side with other gardeners in your community or simply chatting with them about your plants. 

Getting involved in a gardening group or joining a community garden can help you connect with others who share your interest in plants and gardening. Spending time outdoors in the fresh air can also benefit your mental and physical health. 

5. Gardening can help you connect with nature.

Our busy lifestyles often don't allow for much time outdoors, and when we do venture out, we may not have access to green spaces. 

Gardening can be a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air while getting some exercise. It can also help you relax and de-stress. If you're looking for a way to connect with nature, consider starting a garden. 

You don't need a lot of space or equipment to get started. A small plot of land or even a few pots on a balcony can be enough to grow various plants. Gardening can provide many benefits for aging adults. It's a low-impact form of exercise that can help improve strength and flexibility. 

6. Gardening can help you learn new skills and knowledge.

In addition to the physical benefits, gardening can also help ageing adults learn new skills and knowledge. For example, planting and caring for a garden can teach seniors about plant life cycles, photosynthesis, and basic horticulture principles. 

Caring for a garden can also teach elders about birds, bees, and other wildlife. Many older adults find a sense of purpose and satisfaction in teaching younger generations about the importance of environmental stewardship through their love of gardening.

7. Gardening can provide you with fresh, healthy food.

Many ageing adults find that their grocery bills increase as their metabolism slows down and require more calories to maintain their weight. If you are an ageing adult looking for ways to save money on groceries, consider starting a garden. 

Gardening can provide you with fresh, healthy food to help offset the cost of your grocery bill. There are many benefits to gardening for ageing adults. It is a low-impact form of exercise that can help improve flexibility and strength. 

8. Gardening can give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

Many ageing adults find themselves at a loss after retirement. They no longer have the structure and purpose of their jobs and often feel isolated and alone. It can provide a much-needed sense of purpose and satisfaction for these individuals. 

Gardening requires planning and care, giving retirees a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. It also gets them outside in the fresh air and sunshine, providing important physical activity. 

Have your elders engage their love of gardening

Gardening can help improve the quality of life for ageing adults in several ways. From reducing stress levels to providing opportunities for socialisation and exercise, gardening is a great way to stay active and healthy as you age. 

If you are looking for a retirement village in Melbourne for them, Evergreen is a good place to start. We offer affordable retirement living all while taking care of them holistically.