The home care service professionals from Visiting Angels in Toms River, NJ know that the key to happy and healthy seniors is maintaining an active lifestyle. Studies show that elderly people who continue to pursue hobbies and learn new things are more optimistic and have a higher level of overall life satisfaction than seniors who don't. 

Spring is the perfect time to encourage the seniors in your life to give gardening a try! Gardening is inexpensive, active, it can be done at home, and it yields tangible results making it a great lifelong hobby. It doesn’t matter if your loved one is an experienced gardener who needs to get back in touch with their old hobby or completely new to gardening in general, there are a few things you can do to help encourage them:

• Bring everything they need: May is national gardening month so why not celebrate by surprising your elderly loved ones with everything they need to start gardening? Trying new things at any age can feel overwhelming and seniors can be resistant to going outside of their comfort zones. Rather than having lots of discussions about getting more active just jump right in without making a big deal about it!
• Create an elevated workspace: Many seniors abandon gardening when kneeling on the ground becomes physically difficult for them. This can be easily remedied by building large planters that are at waist level or even placing potted plants on elevated tables.
• Garden side by side: Stop by for regular weekly gardening sessions with your senior loved ones, and even bring the kids by once in a while! Companionship is an important part of senior care. Plus, kids love planting things and getting dirty. By making gardening a regular weekly activity you’re encouraging new hobbies and giving your elderly loved ones something to look forward to each week.

For more tips on senior care call the home care professionals from Visiting Angels at (732) 240-1050.