Gardening helps seniors grow healthier

As I write this, my view out the window is of a fresh blanket of snow sparkling across my yard. The very idea of gardening feels so far away, eclipsed by my knowledge that I still have plenty of snow shoveling ahead of me. But the truth is that spring is right around the corner. Before we know it, there’ll be bulbs and bushes and lots of pretty green things propped up outside supermarkets, instead of shovels and driveway salt.

Unlike dreary snow shoveling, gardening is one of my favorite activities, both at home and with my elderly clients. I’ve come to appreciate the different roles it can play across an individual’s lifespan. Toddlers hate walking on grass barefoot, but love playing in dirt. It can calm nerves for anxious teenagers. Adults can use it to de-stress and reclaim what can feel like much-needed control during chaotic times. And for seniors, while there are many benefits I could (and will!) go on about, my personal favorite is the first one listed below: Gardening provides an easy opportunity to nurture living things.

So, to help in our mutual daydream of warmer days, here are my top five reasons why gardening is so very therapeutic for seniors:

Nature to nurture. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, plants are forgiving and resilient in a way that, say, babies or pets are not. For seniors across the spectrum of autonomy, and especially for those who are socially isolated, the act of demarcating a little plot of land on which you’ll shower water, nutrients, attention, love and time can feel disproportionately rewarding.

There is an old Jewish adage that teaches: “Giving cultivates love — even more than love cultivates giving.” This is a tenet of my work with people, and one that beautifully applies to the simple acts of gardening. And for those who might not have a chance to give to others often, gardening can offer a wonderful avenue to do just that.

Stress relief. A Dutch study from a few years back demonstrated that in controlled groups, people who gardened for a set period of time had significantly lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) than those who sat and read during that time. This is consistent with common-sense health advice that we too often ignore, such as combatting stress by going outside – without your cellphone! – and looking at the horizon, or driving to the closest park for an amble through fields or woods. Being in and with nature is simply just plain good for you, and building a routine that allows for more time outdoors is something to work towards.

Physical and cognitive strength, and dexterity. From an occupational therapy standpoint, gardening is one of the best things you can do to promote well-being and overall health. In fact, gardening as a form of occupational therapy dates back over a century.

Haley Vogel, MS, OTR/L, loves gardening as therapy for many reasons. One benefit she notes is that it can increase hand strength.

“It also helps with cognitive skills – that is, sequencing, the tasks required for planting, watering, and so on,” Vogel says.

But she cautions that people – and especially seniors – do need to be aware of the sensitive ergonomics involved.

“Make sure to protect your back in a comfortable posture, and take other measures necessary to ensure safety,” Vogel says. “Also be aware that there are adaptive tools available, [such as] specialized arthritic gardening tools, knee pads, etc. And if leaning over is an issue, you could find a community garden with raised beds.”

Brain health. The National Center for Biotechnology Information has released the results of a long-term study in which researchers found that “daily gardening represented the single biggest risk reduction for dementia, reducing incidence by 36%.” If that’s not reason enough to get started, then I don’t know what is!

Existential perspective. Yes, those are big words to describe playing in the dirt. But it’s true: On the most basic of levels, engaging in the life cycle of plants – seeds, sprouts, blossoms, fruit, withering and returning to the dirt – normalizes and demystifies death. No, gardening won’t tell you what happens to your soul after you die, but something about it makes you feel like you’re part of earth’s natural tide and harmony.

No backyard? No problem. The American Community Gardening Association offers a locator tool for finding your nearest community garden, at communitygarden.org/find-a-garden. While you could certainly make do by planting in pots or window boxes, community gardening has the added benefit of socialization while you soak up that Vitamin D.

So grab a gardening magazine or a seed catalog, or scroll through Pinterest, and get inspired about gardening in the warmer days that are just around the corner.

NAOMI FINK COTRONE is the founder and president of the Right at Home of Rhode Island agency, which provides care to elderly and disabled adults throughout Rhode Island. Her favorite flower is hydrangea.