Benefits of Gardening for Adults of Every Age

Spring is the perfect time to talk about one of our favorite pastimes: gardening. It’s an activity that transcends age, but the benefits of gardening for seniors goes beyond being a fun hobby. It can provide both mental and physical health benefits too.

Why is Gardening Good for Older Adults?

Gardening can enrich your life in multiple ways. It connects us to the earth, to each other, and to ourselves. But what makes it particularly good for us as we experience more of life?

The answers lie in both the mental refreshment and physical rejuvenation it provides. Here’s why gardening stands out as an ideal pursuit for adults of all ages:

Mental Benefits of Gardening

Reduced Stress

Numerous studies have shown that being in nature can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. Getting more involved with nature through gardening can do even more. When you dig your hands in the dirt, you combine physical activity with mindful engagement. 

Exercise alone provides natural stress relief, but having something to care for (a plant) can reduce your stress further. 

Improved Mood

Now that you’re less stressed, you can get a mood boost too. Stay outside a while, and you’ll get a dose of vitamin D. Enough vitamin D can release serotonin in the brain (the “feel-good” chemical). 

But you don’t have to do a lot of work to get that mood boost. Just sitting on a bench in the garden can uplift your spirits while you enjoy the vibrant colors of flowers and the hum of bees and butterflies.

Enhanced Cognitive Function

Deciding what to plant, when to plant it, and how to care for it involves a good deal of strategic thinking and memory, which are vital for maintaining brain health.

Focusing on planting seeds or pruning plants requires attention to detail and can improve your attention span too. Plus, the feel of soil in your hands, the scent of flowers, the sight of greenery, and the sounds of nature can enhance your sensory awareness. 

Increased Sense of Accomplishment & Purpose

Planning a garden, nurturing plants, and witnessing their growth can instill a sense of purpose and achievement.

That’s because when you put in the effort, gardening offers immediate, tangible results. It also involves setting and meeting goals. Maybe you make a goal to plant seeds or design a garden layout by a certain date. Achieving these goals, big or small, contributes to a feeling of success. And you’ll be able to watch the progress over time too–whether it’s a seed sprouting or a flower blooming. 

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your garden flourish because of your care and dedication.

Improved Creativity

Designing a garden is an art in itself. Deciding on the layout, combining colors and textures, and envisioning the future of the garden are all creative exercises that stimulate the imagination and inspire innovation.

Opportunities for Social Interaction

Gardens have a way of bringing people together, offering a shared space to connect, learn from one another, and forge new friendships. Whether it’s through community gardening efforts or simply sharing tips and seedlings with neighbors, gardening nurtures social bonds. (And friendships can be a big mood-booster too.)

Physical Benefits of Gardening

Increased Activity

There’s no doubt that gardening gets you moving! Digging, planting, weeding, and watering involves bending, stretching, lifting, and walking. These activities engage different muscle groups to enhance strength, flexibility, and endurance. 

Gardening also allows you to modify tasks to your physical capabilities and fitness goals. Whether you choose light activities such as planting seeds or something more strenuous like turning compost or digging beds, you’ll get plenty of exercise in the garden.

Exposure to Vitamin D

Gardening exposes you to sunlight, which is a natural source of Vitamin D. As we discussed earlier, Vitamin D can boost your mood, but it also promotes bone health and immune function. Just don’t forget your hat and sunscreen!

Reap the Benefits of Gardening at Roland Park Place

You’ll love our garden at Roland Park Place! Join us outside to sow, grow, and share in the bounty and beauty of nature.

Together, we’ll cultivate not just plants, but a vibrant, healthful, and connected community.

Come grow with us at Roland Park Place. Contact us for a tour or to get on the waitlist!