We all have parents or grandparents who are staying individually on their own or at least we know some senior citizens who are staying alone. It is an unsaid fact that these people may be feeling lonely or depressed. In order to keep them away from loneliness it is best for them to spend their free time concentrating on some hobbies like gardening, painting, reading books, etc. This post is to create awareness on how gardening can help our elders to improve their health physically and mentally.

 

WHAT IS GARDENING?

 

 

Gardening is a process of growing and cultivating different plants for different uses. As a part of horticulture. Some people grow plants for their flowers and others for their fruits and vegetables.

Now-a-days young people are more into gardening where they prefer to have their garden on their rooftops, which is more healthy for the plants as they receive ample amounts of sunlight.

 

HOW ARE OLDER PEOPLE BENEFITED BY GARDENING?

 

• Gardening helps our elders by relieving them off their stress and helps them to relax.

• With all these air pollution things going on around us, gardening will help our elders by providing them constantly with fresh air.

• By growing plants that bear fruits and vegetables our elders can get fresh and pesticide free veggies. Which will contribute massively for their health.

• In idle people, it increases their level of physical activities and helps them with their flexibility.

• Gardening prevents diseases like osteoporosis, etc.

• Gardening helps in reducing the risks of dementia as it involves a large amount of hand-eye coordination.

• Gardening is recommended and listed as a strengthening exercise for people of 60 years of age by Centers of disease control and prevention.

 

PLANTS THAT ELDERS CAN EASILY GROW IN THEIR GARDEN

 

Tomatoes: They are rich in Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folate, iron, potassium, magnesium, etc. They have huge health benefits for elders, and they are easy to grow.

 

 

Brinjal: They are rich in antioxidants and can reduce the risk of heart diseases. They help in weight loss and help in blood sugar control. So, they are highly beneficial for elders in all ways.

 

 

Spinach: These are rich in nitrates that help in the production of two key proteins, which helps in the strengthening of your muscles.

 

Lemon: It is rich in Vitamin C, calcium and potassium. Adding a little amount of lemon regularly will keep elders away from digestive problems. It helps in cleansing of kidneys, liver and blood.

 

 

Carrot: They are the major sources of beta-carotene which is a powerful antioxidant that helps in maintaining your skin health. And carrots help to maintain the eye-sight of our elders.

 

Radish: They give antibacterial effects to your body. Having radish thrice a week can help you with a healthy intestinal flora. They increase your defence properties against various viruses and bacterias.

 

Ladies’ finger: It helps to control your blood sugar level and lowers your cholesterol. Adding them to your weekly diet will help you to keep you away from major heart diseases. It builds your immunity and improves anemic conditions.

 

SAFETY MEASURES FOR ELDERS DURING GARDENING

 

• Be cautious while using the power tools.

• Wear gloves, protective shoes and clothes that cover any exposed skin, that way you can stay away from infections and insect bites.

• Mend to any bruises or cuts that were caused during gardening.

• Make sure that the pathways are flat and non slippery.

• Drink water frequently to avoid dehydration.

• Store the garden equipment in a safe place.

• Be careful while using sharp equipment like shovels, etc.

Most of the elders tend to treat their plants as their own children and get too attached with them. This process helps them to feel less lonely and helps in improvement of their mental health. When they are in the garden the greenery around them brings peace and calmness to their mind that relieves them from all their stresses. And when they get the products of the plants that they have grown, they feel more accomplished and happy. Thus gardening is one of the best hobbies for elders which helps them physically and mentally.