The Benefits of Gardening for Elders

Are you looking to get into gardening or to help a loved one get started? Gardening season is here, so we’re highlighting some of the many benefits of gardening for elders. There are countless physical, mental, and emotional benefits that come with gardening. Gardening for elders specifically helps to:

• • Decrease dementia risk
  • Increase physical activity
  • Help combat loneliness
  • Increase attentiveness and memory
  • Assist in strengthening mobility and flexibility
  • Provide access to nutrient-dense produce
  • Reduce stress levels
  • Improve sleep
  • Increase stimulation, relaxation, and mindfulness
  • Utilize motor skills
  • Optimize vitamin D levels
  • Foster a sense of accomplishment

While many elders deal with mobility or financial limitations, there are many ways to make a senior friendly garden. 

Raised Garden Beds are an easy way to tend to your garden without bending over too much. Raised garden beds are also beneficial for those that are in a wheelchair or want to sit while they work on the garden. It’s important to ensure that they are the right height and that there is enough room on all sides of the bed to reach the center. 

Tabletop Gardens or elevated garden beds are more like a garden bed on legs, allowing even easier wheelchair access. You can buy these online or build your own. 

Walls and Trellis Spaces are another way to practice gardening while standing or sitting up. 

Lightweight Tools are important for all elders. If someone suffers with arthritis or something similar, it’s almost impossible to hold a tool for an extended amount of time. Fortunately, there are foam grips you can add to existing tools to assist with this. Grabber tools and extension poles are also a great option for things that are out of reach. 

Implementing Functional Pathways for walkers, canes, or wheelchair access is necessary in most cases. 

Using Pantry Items to start growing. The potatoes that are sprouting in your cabinet? The old garlic on the counter? Believe it or not, these are all functional seeds.Take your sprouting potatoes, put them in some soil, provide them with sunlight and water and watch them grow into a bush. You can also take a garlic clove, plant it with the root end down, and grow your own garlic bulbs (learn more here). 

Nutritional benefits of gardening for elders 

Many elders may not have the funds or ability to provide themselves nutrient dense foods. One of the many positives of gardening for elders is the access to affordable, nutrient dense, and organic produce. Seeds are easy to find online or at most local nurseries and hardware stores. Proper nutrition will help in preventing osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and many other health issues.

Where to start 

If you are unable to start a garden in your space, most cities/towns have community gardens or groups that are more than willing to help. There are also many assisted living and retirement communities with community garden spaces. If you are looking for home care, assisted livings, or nursing homes, please reach out to us at (617)-472-6600 or by contacting us online here.