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Benefits of Gardening for Seniors

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about watching a plant grow from a seed (or a seedling) to a full-fledged, thriving plant. With the right amount of sunlight, enough water to drink, and some love and care, you can help a plant reach its full potential. If you’re curious about gardening but not yet fully committed to pursuing it as a hobby, scroll down to explore the benefits of gardening for seniors. By the end of this blog post, you may be tempted to buy your first plant!

Benefits of Gardening for Seniors

It can help relieve stress and anxiety.

For a variety of reasons, including many of the benefits of gardening for seniors listed below (exercise, vitamin D, a sense of accomplishment, etc.), gardening can lower your stress levels. In fact, it’s been found to lower levels of cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) in the brain.

It’s a fun form of light exercise.

Although it won’t provide a vigorous, heart-pumping workout, gardening can be an enjoyable form of light exercise. Sometimes it incorporates squatting, stretching, pulling, and bending. Depending on the type of gardening you do and the extent of it, you may be able to increase your mobility, burn calories, and strength your muscles and bones. It may also provide a boost of energy. To prevent injuries, you may want to lightly stretch before you begin.

It can boost your mood.

Numerous studies have found that gardening can work wonders when it comes to your mood. It has been found to increase life satisfaction, quality of life, psychological wellbeing, and more. So if you’re hoping to lift your spirits, try gardening!

It can provide a dose of vitamin D (if you garden outdoors).

If you’re able to garden outdoors (or beside a sunny window), you’ll get a hearty dose of vitamin D. The sun’s rays cause your body to produce this important vitamin, which is essential for bone health, the immune system, insulin levels, cardiovascular health, and more. If you will be gardening in the sun, don’t forget to wear sunscreen to protect your skin.

It can provide feelings of accomplishment.

Watching a plant grow is inherently satisfying. Each day, you can check the plant for progress. Hopefully, with the right amount of water and sun, your plant will thrive and grow bigger and stronger. And if any issues arise, you can research solutions (or call your local garden center for advice) and help your plant recover.

It may offer beauty or nourishment.

Depending on the types of plants you choose and how well you care for them, they may offer exquisite beauty. In some cases, they can also provide nourishment. For example, if you grow herbs or vegetables, you can consume the fruits of your labor. If you grow aloe vera, you can use the juice to soothe and moisturize your skin. Or if you grow something with a lovely scent, like lavender or roses, you appreciate the aromatic effects.

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Amongst the many benefits of gardening for seniors, which do you find the most persuasive? Are you in it for the stress relief, the exercise, or the joy of watching a seed become a bountiful plant? Whatever your motivation, we hope your thumb grows a little greener this spring.

Are you looking for a premier assisted living and memory care community in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina? Come visit us at Waterstone on Augusta. Our community is both relaxing and elegant, and we strive to enhance the quality of life of the seniors we serve through teamwork and unity. To learn more about our amenities and to view our lovely community, please schedule a tour online or call us today at 864-605-7236.