Cultivating Connection: The Therapeutic Benefits of Gardening for Seniors in Assisted Living

A great hobby beyond simply planting flowers is gardening for seniors. It is a therapeutic tool that can enhance the health and well-being of seniors. This activity can improve physical health, lower stress, and offer a sense of meaning. It is a way for older adults to find peace and happiness. Let’s further explore the benefits of horticulture and how it transforms lives for those in assisted living settings.

Growing Plants at Home Can Enhance Physical Health

A variety of physical health benefits can be found in gardening for seniors, and it is an enjoyable, low-impact exercise that can be tailored to each person’s unique capabilities. Planting, weeding, and watering require an individual to stand, bend, and reach – all of which help improve balance and coordination. By using various muscle groups in the arms, legs, and core, seniors can gain strength and flexibility, and walking around the garden helps improve heart health and stamina.  Most people are pleasantly surprised to find out that spending about 30 minutes in the garden several times per week is excellent for the heart. How so? This low-impact activity is a good workout that raises the heart rate and boosts circulation. Can’t beat that!

Seniors Can Reduce Their Stress Level

While stress is a part of daily life, those in assisted living can reduce this by tending the garden a few times each week. By taking the time to engage in this mindful activity, seniors may find that they are more connected to nature and feel calmer as a result. The repetitive tasks and natural environment of growing plants help to promote the relaxation that everyone needs, and the accomplishment of watching plants grow and flowers bloom boosts confidence and reduces feelings of depression.

Cultivating Greenery Provides a Sense of Purpose

Everyone needs to have a sense of purpose, which is what gardening for seniors supports. By providing an outlet for energy, those in assisted living can gain feelings of responsibility from the activity. Tending to a garden involves repetitive and rhythmic movements, which can be calming and even restorative. Seniors can also enjoy the visual reward of seeing what they have done, and it will give them an amazing sense of accomplishment. Also, green thumb activities can be a social activity. People in assisted living can take the opportunity to spend time with others while working in the garden, sharing tips and ideas, as well as admiring and complimenting each other’s work.

Some Useful Tips on Starting a Garden in an Assisted Living Setting

Cultivating a garden in an assisted living setting can be extremely rewarding, so here are some tips.

• Prioritize Accessibility: Prioritize accessibility by strategically placing plants to minimize walking, kneeling, and bending, and ensure wide pathways for mobility aids.
• Use Lightweight Tools: Lightweight and designed for easy use are best.
• Use Raised Beds and Containers: This will make gardening easier for seniors, especially those with limited mobility.
• Create Communal Spaces: Designate areas where all residents can gather, socialize, and enjoy the garden.
• Choose Low-Maintenance Plants: Choose drought-resistant plants that require minimal pruning and upkeep.

Gardening for Seniors Can Help Promote Overall Wellness

Light yard work is an activity that promotes both physical and mental wellness, especially for those in assisted living. As more than simply a pastime, it gives seniors an activity to look forward to regularly. It is also a great way to enhance their quality of life. Studies show that cultivating plants for older adults benefits psychosocial and physical well-being, with seniors who participated in the activity reporting significantly more social and physical benefits than those who didn’t. One senior living facility resident even reports that she can enjoy her plants and helping them grow every day, and hopes others do as well. At Silverbell Homestead, we provide excellent residential care and are dedicated to helping our seniors stay active and happy. If you have any questions or would like to set up a tour of our facility, contact us today.