# Gardening Benefits and Safety for Seniors

> There is nothing like the feeling that summer brings. Warmer temperatures make it hard to resist the great outdoors and all the activities the longer days allow. One such activity, gardening, has multiple benefits, especially for our older loved ones. Health Conscious Gardening…

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- URL: https://aegisv2.epekdigital.com/resources/blog/benefits-of-gardening-for-seniors
- Focus keyword: gardening benefits
- Category: lifestyle-activities
- Tags: depression-anxiety, alzheimers, hobbies-activities, fall-prevention, legal-planning, for-seniors, for-spouses
- Published: 2019-06-11

There is nothing like the feeling that summer brings. Warmer
temperatures make it hard to resist the great outdoors and all the activities
the longer days allow. One such activity, gardening, has multiple benefits,
especially for our older loved ones.

### Health Conscious

Gardening is a moderate intensity workout - perfect for
hitting your recommended thirty minutes of cardio per day, which improves
cardiovascular health and reduces risk of heart attack and stroke. Bonus, if
you enjoy gardening, it doesn’t feel like a workout! The motions of gardening
also help mobility and flexibility, supporting strength and balance.

Fifteen to thirty minutes of sun exposure is also the ideal
amount of time to increase Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential for bone
health, boosts the immune system, and reduces the risk of diabetes and heart
disease. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

### Peace of Mind

Gardening uses critical brain functions like sensory
awareness and problem-solving, providing significant stimulation that can lead
to mental clarity. Not only is gardening known to reduce stress, anxiety, and
depression, but studies have suggested it can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, gardening doesn’t have to be a solo project! It’s a great way to **[socialize](https://www.aegisliving.com/resource-center/5-ways-staying-social-keeps-you-healthy/)** with friends and family - and a great skill to pass down to the grandkids. Quality time with the ones you love is excellent food for the soul.

### Safety First

Before spending a lot of time outdoors, remember your sunscreen! The body’s natural ability to repair damaged DNA diminishes with age, there’s a higher likelihood of abnormal cell growth that leads to cancer. Use an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen and reapply every couple of hours. A large brimmed hat will protect your face, scalp, and neck from sun overexposure, and sunglasses will protect your eyes from the light.

Protecting yourself from chemicals and sharp equipment is
equally as important. Did you know tetanus lives in the soil? Paired with sharp
gardening tools, it’s a real threat to gardeners. Wear gloves, sturdy shoes,
and appropriate clothing to keep yourself safe from dangers in the garden. Make
sure your tetanus/diphtheria vaccination is up-to-date. All adults should be
vaccinated every ten years. If you take a medication that causes side effects
like fatigue or dizziness, don’t push it. Stay away from machinery, climbing
ladders, or other activities that could cause injury.

Repeated kneeling and bending over low beds can cause significant
strain and present a fall risk. Raised beds or vertical gardens allow you the
opportunity to continue to do a hobby you love while keeping you safe from
physical harm.

Take breaks, especially in hot weather. Keep **[healthy snacks](https://www.aegisliving.com/resource-center/nutritional-needs-of-seniors/)** on hand to recharge and drink lots of water. **[Dehydration](https://www.aegisliving.com/resource-center/dehydration-concerns-for-your-parent/)** is particularly damaging for older adults and can mimic the symptoms of dementia, cause urinary infections, and more.

Finally, don’t forget to clean up after yourself. Equipment
and uncoiled hoses are a fall hazard for anyone who isn’t paying attention to
their surroundings. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by tucking
everything away before you turn in for the day.

Overall, the benefits of gardening far outweigh the risks. Not only do you get the exercise and Vitamin D you need to remain healthy, but the outcome is a colorful, beautiful landscape for your home or fresh fruits and veggies for your meals! If you’re interested in learning how Aegis Living communities incorporate gardening into their life enrichment programs, call your nearest [**community**](https://www.aegisliving.com/find-a-community/) to chat with a Life Enrichment Director.