The Many Benefits of Gardening
Gardening can really help to boost mental health. So it’s vital that as many older people as possible are able to get outside.
Spring is finally here, and it’s wonderful to see blossoms on the trees and daffodils springing up out of the ground. There’s no better feeling than spending some time outside and getting stuck in with the gardening.
Gardening has plenty of health benefits too, and is a great way of staying engaged with the world around you. That’s why it’s so beneficial for older people. So if you have an elderly relative, encourage and help them to get out in the garden this spring! You’ll be amazed at just how much of a difference it makes.
Feel-good hormones
Gardening is a great way of keeping mobile, and an afternoon out in the great outdoors is just as good a way of getting active as say, a walk to the shops. It’s well known that exercise triggers the release of endorphins. These hormones make you feel happier.
So if an elderly person is feeling a little down, a little weeding or potting some plants will soon have them feeling good about themselves again. Getting out of the house can rekindle happy memories too, which is beneficial for everyone as they get older.
Regaining lost confidence
Gardening allows elderly people to regain confidence in their own abilities. Self-esteem can take a hit when someone gets older, especially if they have mobility issues or struggle with their memory. Gardening is a very rewarding activity because it has obvious visual results – you can look at what you’ve grown from scratch and appreciate all your hard work. Home grown herbs, vegetables and fruit can be used for cooking too, making an older person feel more self-sufficient and less dependant on others.
Keeping their home looking beautiful
Older people take great pride in their homes, and maintaining a lovely garden will help them to feel comfortable and confident in their surroundings. There’s lots of evidence out there that our surroundings really do have a positive impact on how we think and act. So if the lawn is a little untidy, weeds are springing up and potted plants are looking a little neglected, tackling those will make a world of difference.
Help is at hand
Sadly, it goes without saying that gardening can get a little more difficult as the years go by. There’s no need to give up though! Things like mobility aids, specially designed gardening tools and raised flower beds will allow an elderly person to enjoy their garden fully. If an elderly person has a live in carer, they will be on hand to help out in the garden too. Having someone there to take care of the tasks which are a little bit too physical is a massive help, and will help a green-fingered older person maintain as much of their independence as possible. Having someone to share the whole experience of gardening with is great too – you can never underestimate the power of a good chat!
The great outdoors awaits!
As you can see, gardening has many benefits, and can really help to improve a person’s mental health. We often focus on the physical side of things, but the happiness and mental well-being of an older person is just as important.
That’s something that our fantastic team of live in carers understand, and they’ll be more than happy to lend a hand in the garden when needed. So as the weather warms up, why not help your loved one get out there and reconnect with nature?
To find out more how we can help you or a loved one, please call our care team on: 0800 471 4741