April is National Garden Month: Why Gardening is Great for Seniors

April is National Garden Month. While it might be a little early to start planting in some areas of the country, it’s the perfect time to start planning a garden. Maybe you’ve been thinking about your own garden, but have you thought about helping your elderly relative to start one, too? Aside from the colorful flowers or delicious vegetables, seniors who garden reap a lot of benefits.

Below are just a few of the benefits of gardening.

Elderly Care China Gove NC – April is National Garden Month: Why Gardening is Great for Seniors

Gardening is Great Exercise

Many people don’t think of gardening as being a form of exercise, but it is! When a gardener changes positions, such as going from standing to water plants to kneeling to pick then, to squatting to weed, they’re moving their body and getting a work out. In addition, pulling weeds, lifting tools, and walking up and down the rows are all exercise, too. However, your elderly relative might not think of gardening as exercise because they’re enjoying the work they are doing.

Gardening Saves Money

Growing vegetables is cheaper than buying them. That can be very helpful to seniors who are on fixed incomes. Growing vegetables provides healthy food choices without costing a lot of money. And, if they grow excess vegetables, they can freeze or can them to use during the winter, saving money year-round.

Gardening Provides Vitamin D

Sunshine is a source of vitamin D. Being outside in the garden exposes older adults to fresh air and sunshine. Of course, they should practice sun safety, wearing sunscreen and avoiding getting sunburned. However, spending a little time in the sun each day to pick a few tomatoes or water the flowers can increase vitamin D levels.

Gardening Can Prevent Loneliness

Sometimes older adults struggle to find ways to socialize with other people. They may find themselves stuck in the house with nothing to do. Many areas have community gardens where people rent a plot to use for the season. Chances are, when your aging relative goes to the community garden to tend their plot, they’ll see and interact with other people.

If your older adult relative would like to start a garden, but needs a little assistance, elderly care can help. An elderly care provider can carry heavy watering cans or tools. They can also help with some of the tasks that may be too difficult, like digging or pulling stubborn weeds. Elderly care providers can even help with the planning stage. An elderly care provider can help the senior to decide what to plant and drive them to the gardening center to choose plants and pick up supplies.

Sources:  https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2017/health-benefits-of-gardening-fd.html

https://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/benefits-gardening-how-vegetable-garden-can-improve-health

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elderly Care Services in China Grove NC, please contact the caring staff at TenderHearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.