Enjoy Working in the Garden This Summer

Research has shown gardening to be an effective low-impact exercise for seniors.  Along with providing a moderate amount of exercise for aging adults, gardening can offer benefits to your mental and emotional health.  To keep it accessible to the elderly for whom lifting and bending can be difficult; it is smart to incorporate a few modifications such as raised garden beds as well as using various ergonomic tools. 

One of the best things about gardening is it stimulates all of the senses and offers an excellent excuse to get outside and soak up some vitamin D as well as boost serotonin levels in your brain.  Serotonin is a chemical that improves your mood and helps you to feel calm and centered.  In addition to relieving stress and anxiety, gardening gives seniors a sense of purpose and accomplishment with its beautiful or edible finished product.  It is also an enjoyable way to use all your motor skills and improve endurance and strength.

Working in a garden has proven helpful to those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  Gardening can help recall pleasant memories from the past and remind a person of healthier times.  Experts advise not to give someone with dementia a sharp tool.  

If seniors plan to get out and garden, they need to protect themselves against pests and the elements.  It is recommended that seniors avoid the heat of the day and apply plenty of sunblock and wear protective clothing including sunglasses and a hat.  They should have shady areas available with benches or chairs so they may easily take a break as needed.  It is also important to remember to drink plenty of fluids as dehydration can be a problem.  

Among our many amenities and activities at MorningStar at Jordan, we offer residents the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors through all-season porches, a fireside patio and resident garden beds.  Please visit our website to learn more about exceptional assisted living or memory care in Centennial, Colorado.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO. Please contact us for more information about MorningStar at Jordan.