As your parent or grandparent gets older, they’ll have more time to focus on themselves and participate in the activities they enjoy. However, due to weather patterns, mobility challenges, or shrinking social circles, they may be spending more time indoors and alone than is healthy. By participating in an activity like gardening, they can improve their physical and mental health, as well as become part of their local community. Here are just some of the ways this pastime suits senior care.

3 Ways Gardening Benefits Senior Care

1. Stay Active

While your loved one may no longer participate in competitive sports or intense workouts, it’s still important for seniors to get outside and engage in physical activity. Shoveling dirt, arranging plants, and harvesting herbs and vegetables will all count towards your senior’s 30 minutes of recommended daily exercise. This allows them to elevate their heart rate in a safe manner, improving circulation and bringing oxygen to tired joints. According to some researchers, this moderate exercise will help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people over 60.

2. Relieve Stress

Gardening is also an excellent way for seniors to alleviate their anxiety. Studies have connected this pastime to a decrease in the stress hormone, cortisol, which means a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. Plus, spending time among the lush green plants and warm sunlight will increase your senior’s Vitamin D intake, improving their mood, and decreasing their risk of depression.

3. Socialize With Other Seniors

In addition to the benefits of working with soil and plants, gardening allows seniors to reap the advantages of socialization. By tending to a garden with other seniors in their retirement community, your loved one can meet like-minded individuals, start friendly conversations, and even develop lasting friendships. As your loved one ages, socialization is imperative to their mental health, from avoiding feelings of isolation to preventing cognitive decline.

If your senior loved one would enjoy these benefits, they can take advantage of the gardening activities at West Vue. From their two locations in West Plains, MO, they offer independent living, assisted living, and nursing home services, so seniors can comfortably age in place. Their residents can maintain their current active lifestyle and seek medical assistance when needed. To learn more about their seamless programs, visit the website, or call (417) 256-2152 to speak with a representative at this senior care center.