Blossoming Wellness: The Therapeutic Benefits of Senior Gardening
Gardening isn’t just a pastime; it’s a lifeline for many seniors, providing them with opportunities to stay active and engaged. Whether digging the soil under the open sky or nurturing plants indoors, gardening in any form provides numerous benefits for older adults. As we celebrate National Lawn & Garden Month this April, it’s the perfect time to explore the therapeutic benefits of gardening for seniors. Below are the top four ways gardening helps seniors remain healthy and strong.
Gardening Reduces Stress
Gardening is an excellent way for seniors to cope with and manage stress. Spending time with plants has been shown to lower cortisol levels, promoting a sense of calm that helps to reduce stress. Seniors who include greenery around their homes help to create a tranquil oasis indoors, while seniors who tend to garden outdoors enjoy the benefits of relaxation through spending time in nature. Are you ready to get started? Join the Oshkosh Garden Club and learn more about landscape design, native plants, and more. Mark your calendar for their annual summer Garden Walk on July 14, 2024, and get inspired by the beautiful gardens in the community.
Gardening Helps with Mobile Dexterity
Another therapeutic benefit of gardening is that it helps with mobile dexterity. Seniors who work in the dirt, either indoors or outdoors, are simultaneously maintaining their dexterity and strength as they engage in various gardening tasks. From potting and pruning to watering and weeding, gardening engages both fine and gross motor skills, helping seniors stay active and agile. Do you need more space to garden outdoors? Explore community garden options in the Fox Valley, where you can rent a garden plot.
Gardening Promotes a Sense of Purpose
Tending to plants is a purposeful activity and one that requires diligence, dedication, and work. Gardening fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment for many seniors, especially those who may have lost their sense of self in retirement. Watching plants thrive under meticulous care and nurturing can be incredibly rewarding, giving seniors something to look forward to each day. Connect with the Winnebago County Master Garden Association to learn more about gardening and find support to cultivate thriving gardens, both indoors and outdoors.
Gardening Decreases the Risk of Dementia
Gardening isn’t just good for the physical health of older adults. It’s also great for their cognitive health as well. Studies have shown that gardening can lower the risk of dementia by stimulating both the mind and body. Seniors with memory loss also benefit from gardening. Sensory stimulation gardening can help evoke positive memories and improve mood and cognitive functioning for seniors living with dementia. Explore the Farmer's Almanac for tips on what and when to plant certain seeds or seedlings in the Oshkosh region. Visiting local garden centers and nurseries, such as Stuart’s Landscaping or Stein’s Garden & Home, can be a fun outing to do with an aging loved one with dementia.
If you’re interested in the idea of gardening but aren’t sure where to start or feel unsteady working outdoors, let Visiting Angels Oshkosh be your guide. We offer a range of senior home care services tailored to your individual needs, including assistance with everyday tasks such as watering plants. Our compassionate caregivers are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you can enjoy the many therapeutic benefits of gardening, no matter your age or physical abilities. To learn more about how we can help you thrive, please contact us today by calling 920-312-7000.