Age in reverse

by flexing your green thumb!

One reason the oldest folks in Cilento remain mentally and physically fit is that most work regularly in their gardens, harvesting and planting food—and regular gardeners have lower levels of stress hormones, reports the Journal of Health Psychology. Plus, Kansas State University scientists have found that gardening confers a physical benefit on older adults equal to 30 minutes of moderate exercise, including better hand strength and dexterity. ✤ To your health! Double the benefit by growing vegetables, which have more nutrients and fewer toxins than storebought produce and taste better. Plus, harvesting veggies from your garden ups your intake, and the more you eat, the less apt you are to fall short of most essential nutrients!