Do you consider yourself having a green thumb? Did you know there are numerous health benefits that can be enjoyed through gardening? Once the weather starts to get warm again, you might want to consider allowing your thoughts to turn to gardening. Naturally, for older adults, it’s important to make this hobby or pastime as safe as possible, while still allowing it to be enjoyable. That aside, however, there is much to be gained by pursuing the creation of and attending to a garden. Not the outdoorsy type? There are numerous plants that can be grown indoors.
Truth be told, there are many activities and events mature adults can participate in or attend. For the time being, however, let’s take a look at the benefits of gardening where retirement age adults are concerned.
Feelings of Loneliness Can Be Reduced
As adults age, all too often, they end up living alone. For some individuals, this promotes loneliness, anxiety, depression, and more. Gardening, however, can reduce feelings of loneliness, albeit a solitary pursuit if that’s the way you like to do your gardening.
Additionally, community gardens can be participated in or you can always invite a friend or family member over to do some gardening with you.
Get Your Vitamin D from the Sun
Naturally, this applies to outdoor gardening, but the sun is a great source of vitamin D. Just remember to take it easy in the heat and always use sunscreen. Vitamin D provides the following health benefits, particularly for older adults:
- Cardiovascular and lung function health support
- Helps to regulate insulin levels
- Brain, immune, and nervous system support
- Helps maintain teeth and bone health
Give Your Mental Health a Boost
Mental wellness is encouraged by gardening. A sense of responsibility is achieved by gardening, and, to other living things, you can feel more connected through nature. Gardening gives you an outlet for negative feelings and relaxes you. It may, in fact, increase a sense of reward and mental clarity while lowering stress levels.
Gardening Is Therapeutic
Of all the therapies you may have to go through as an older adult, gardening can be one of the most enjoyable, while still being highly beneficial. Positive psychological benefits are produced by plants in general. When you’re around them, you feel better. Again, this can apply to indoor plants as well as outdoor plants. Even in a retirement community, you may be able to have a number of plants in your room. Some even have outdoor garden patches that the members of the community care for.
Stay Active
You can get your whole body moving when you participate in gardening. Whether you’re watering, weeding, or just getting started planting, it provides a workout for your entire body. Without putting too much strain on your body, you can burn a few calories through this moderate-intensity exercise method.
