Gardening for Seniors
It’s the time of year when gardens are tilled, and flowers and vegetables are planted in hopes of beauty and a bountiful crop in the coming months. Gardening is a popular leisure activity that provides low to moderate exercise for seniors but bending, stooping, lifting, stretching, and gripping can become harder as we age.
3 Tips for Getting Your Hands Dirty and Having Fun
Have the right tools! Many tools are designed to make gardening easier. A garden cart can make transferring dirt, tools, and plants easier while long-handled tools with a comfort grip not only feels comfy in the hands but prevents stooping over. Raised garden bedskeep you closer to the action and avoid back strain by limiting how much you need to bend over. Also, remember to wear a wide-brimmed hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes.
Avoid the Hottest Daytime Hours. Watering plants and pulling weeds are best done early in the morning or later in the evening. When avoiding the hottest hours, your body will thank you! Avoid sunburn and pesky bugs by applying sunscreen and bug repellant when working outdoors.
Host a Garden Club. Gardening is an excellent opportunity to gather others who enjoy working in the dirt. This friendship building activity can provide love, laughter, and sense of teamwork. While some groups may just chat about gardening issues, others may choose to do group work activities.
Read more gardening safety tips from Aging.com.
