Horticulture therapy is a real thing because of the gains it brings. According to the American Horticultural Therapy Association, engaging in gardening and plant-based activities with a trained therapist can bring about specific therapeutic treatment purposes.
While gardening may appear like a boring activity at first glance, it requires a lot of patience and hard work. Most importantly, it brings about numerous health benefits great for old folks. If you want to know more about the advantages of gardening, keep reading. By the end of the article, we guarantee you will want to give it a go personally if you haven’t tried it before.
Brings People Together for a Common Purpose
Gardening can be a group journey as much as it can be an individual activity. Independent senior living communities often have well-manned gardens by horticulture professionals. You can request to be part of the unit that takes care of the garden if you have some knowledge of taking care of yours at home.
Show off your wonderful garden growth to your newfound friends in the neighborhood or community and when your children and grandchildren drop by for a visit. As a bonus, you can even harvest these fresh, organic fruits and vegetables as snacks or cooking ingredients.
Helps You to Strengthen Muscles and Shed Off Calories
We’re not asking you to carry a wheelbarrow around so you can strengthen your weakening muscles. Though, that little activity itself when done for the long-term does help in toning those muscles. Additionally, all the squatting, standing, bending, and pulling when weeding will work your muscles miraculously.
Do you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that an hour of light gardening and yard work can help an elderly burn up to 330 calories? This is even better when compared to just walking at a moderate pace in the park. Furthermore, you can get to see the fruit of your labor.
Relieves Stress, Anxiety, and Lower the Risk of Dementia
It’s normal to be stressed and anxious about transitions nearing retirement or immediately after leaving the workforce. But being constantly in the loop of high tension is bad for your overall well-being and can affect your sleep. By gardening, you can gain back some sense of responsibility by caring for something. This in turn lowers cortisol levels and raises serotonin to regulate your emotions.
Moreover, research has shown that daily gardening can lower the risk of dementia by up to 36%. It’s not alarming considering the physical aspects and the mental exercises you need to decide on the types of plants to grow and the best conditions for them to thrive. Giving your brain something to work on continuously is key to maintaining its deteriorating condition.
As promised, we’ve shown you the benefits of gardening that you can enjoy. Whether it is to strengthen your muscles or shed off a few kilograms, gardening can help. While engaging in the activity, you get to work your brain and at the same time, relieve the strain and worry that comes from prolonged isolation. Try it from now onwards!
