The Valley Wire

Top three reasons seniors should consider gardening

- CHARMAINE MILLAIRE cmillaire@ns.211.ca @211NS Charmaine Millaire is the communicat­ions and marketing manager at Nova Scotia 211. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves staying active by doing yoga, running, hiking and surfing Nov

Caring for plants has been proven to be therapeuti­c for the mind, body and soul. Whether you or a loved one chooses to care for plants at home in your yard or at a community garden, there are several benefits.

In the journal Sage Open Medicine, researcher­s found there are positive aging benefits linked to home and community gardening activities, such as enhanced self-esteem, productive endeavours, social engagement and exercise. Read on to learn the top benefits of gardening for seniors.

GARDENING INCREASES ACCESS TO FRESH FOOD

Growing produce has been shown to stimulate one’s appetite, which can decrease with age. While gardening, the smell of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as the bright colours, can increase one’s desire for food.

What’s even better is that you know the produce has been taken care of and is free from chemicals like pesticides. Gardening can also help you save money on fruits and vegetables and will also help save you a trip to the grocery store or market. Produce from the garden will also taste better than store-bought produce because it’s fresher.

GARDENING INCREASES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

As we age, our joints become stiff and sore, which discourage­s many from intense physical activity. Gardening is a great, low-impact way to get some exercise in a calming environmen­t. Gardening in your backyard or community garden involves raking, digging, weeding and planting, which can improve your flexibilit­y and blood circulatio­n.

Physical activity, such as gardening, can also help lower blood pressure and cholestero­l levels and can increase motor skills. If gardening on the ground is too challengin­g, you can care for plants in raised garden beds instead.

GARDENING INCREASES COGNITIVE STIMULATIO­N

Gardening can produce feelings of nostalgia in those who have memories of gardening with their children or parents when they were younger. Nostalgia also encourages positive thoughts and can connect seniors who have dementia or short-term memory loss to their past.

Gardening also requires focus, which can increase concentrat­ion. Being in nature or being exposed to nature also improves mental health and can reduce feelings of anxiety or frustratio­n. Gardening and caring for plants also cultivate feelings of compassion and kindness.

Whether you choose to garden at home or at a community garden, both will give you feelings of joy and purpose. Community gardening is also a great way to socialize with others, which is a bonus.

Interested in becoming involved with a community garden but don’t know where to start? Call 211. Our call navigators can look through our database and connect you with a community garden near you.

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