Gardening is good for older people
Gardening has many health and therapeutic benefits for older people
Garden beds, equipment and tools can all be modified if necessary, so older people can create a garden that is interesting, accessible and productive
Gardening provides fresh air, exercise, enjoyment and fresh food
Your ageing parent must take care, however, to avoid falls, wear good sun protection and store garden equipment safely
Gardening keeps your ageing parent fit and healthy
It is an enjoyable form of exercise.
It increases levels of physical activity and maintains mobility and flexibility.
It encourages use of all motor skills – walking, reaching and bending – through activities such as planting seeds and taking cuttings
It improves endurance and strength
It helps prevent diseases like osteoporosis
It reduces stress levels and promotes relaxation
It provides stimulation and interest in nature and the outdoors
It improves well-being as a result of social interaction with others, such as going to garden centres and sharing ideas about plants, flowers and vegetables
It provides nutritious, home-grown produce
Physical and mental considerations to bear in mind for your ageing parent in the garden
Fragile, thinning skin meaning they are more susceptible to bumps, bruises and sunburn
Loss of peripheral vision means they must take care and generally poorer eyesight can restrict activities
Greater susceptibility to temperature changes and dehydration, or heat exhaustion, so they should take care whilst gardening to drink regularly and wear a hat
Falls are more common, because balance is often not as good
Osteoporosis and arthritis may restrict movement and flexibility
Adapting garden tools and ways of working to help the older gardener
Use vertical planting to make garden beds accessible for planting and harvesting
Try using wall and trellis spaces
Raise beds to enable people with physical restrictions to avoid bending and stooping
Provide retractable hanging baskets, wheelbarrows and containers on castors to make suitable movable and elevated garden beds
Find adaptive tools and equipment. These are available from some hardware shops and garden centres
Use foam, tape and plastic tubing to modify existing tools and make them easier to handle
Use lightweight tools that are easier to handle or have special grips
Create shady areas for working in summer months
Have stable chairs and tables to use for comfortable gardening and rest stops
Ensure that there is an easily accessible tap and a hose, or consider installing a drip feeder system for easy watering
Safety in the garden
The older person in the garden can remain safer if they:
Attend to any cuts, bruises or insect bites immediately. For bites or stings, they should keep anti-histamine handy
Take care when using power tools
Secure gates and fences for safety, if memory loss is an issue
Ensure that paths and walkways are flat and non-slip and are regularly power-hosed to remove slime
Warm up before gardening and take frequent breaks
Prevent sun exposure by working in the garden early in the morning or late in the day. Wear a hat and apply sunscreen frequently
Drink water or juice regularly and avoid alcohol to prevent dehydration
Wear protective shoes, lightweight comfortable clothes that cover exposed skin, a hat and gardening gloves
Wash hands thoroughly after gardening
June 14th, 2012 at 2:02 pm (#)
[…] meet new people, as is developing a new hobby, or even starting your own craft or walking group. Gardening is a great activity, which keeps your older relative fit, healthy and gives them plenty of fresh […]