National Gardening Day is here! While gardening is a hobby for many, it also has several health benefits. The gardening environment and activities promote mental and physical health. Gardening can also have benefits for people with dementia through the practice of horticulture therapy.
Physical Benefits
Spending time outside in natural light improves circadian rhythms, while increased vitamin D from sunlight contributes to bone strength. Activities like planting, weeding, and watering help build muscle. Gardening can count as moderate exercise, helping seniors stay fit without the need for an exercise routine. Eating habits can also improve with gardening, as being involved with the growing process makes it easier to include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Mental Health Benefits
Gardening’s mental health benefits mainly stem from spending time outside. Being surrounded by fresh air and greenery has been shown to increase positive emotions and decrease negativity. Gardening improves concentration and mindfulness, helping to decrease anxiety by focusing on present relaxing tasks. Putting work into a goal-oriented project can boost a senior’s sense of accomplishment, leading to an increase in self-esteem. Gardening can also help seniors avoid isolation by creating a point of contact with other people who also have an interest in gardening.
Horticulture Therapy
Horticulture therapy is a practice that aims to help people with dementia through gardening. Combining the calming effects of nature, fresh air, sunlight, and greenery with the sensory involvement of different textures, colors, and smells, horticulture therapy helps people with dementia avoid agitation, focus on their surroundings, and improve their mood.
The sensory experience of gardening helps seniors focus their attention on their current surroundings, avoiding the disassociation that many people with dementia experience. Horticulture therapy can help with memory recall as familiar sights and smells bring back memories associated with past gardens.
Working in a garden is a calming atmosphere, while routine maintenance creates a sense of stability for seniors, decreasing agitation and confusion. Being able to contribute to a goal-oriented project allows participants to have a sense of agency. Horticulture therapy can be done in group settings, which adds the benefit of social interaction.
Help For Your Aging Needs
Our Aging Life Care Managers® are here to help seniors and their caregivers live their best quality life. Whether that means managing medications or finding ways to adapt activities to new needs, we have the experience to find the aging solutions that will work best for your circumstances. Reach out to us today to learn more.
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