Gardening
Gardening is a popular pastime for many older men and women, and can be enjoyed on a variety of scales. From window boxes and herb pots to gardens and sizeable allotment projects, gardening is benefi cial for many reasons, not least because it:
- Encourages activity, mobility and gentle movement without consciously being exercise
- Builds fl exibility and strength
- Stimulates older adults and keeps them alert and engaged
- Takes place in fresh air, which can help improve concentration and focus
- Is productive – gardeners can fi ll their environment with fresh fl owers or enhance their meals with home-grown vegetables and herbs
- Fosters a sense of achievement and self-esteem – it helps reduce stress, which in turn encourages better sleep and overall mental and physical well-being
- Is adaptable – activities such as potting and watering can be enjoyed indoors on table-tops so residents are less likely to fall and are not at the mercy of the weather
- Can be a shared and social activity – something grandparents can enjoy with their families
- Prompts conversation and better understanding of residents’ lifestyles during their years in their own homes
- May help foster better temporal recognition such as an awareness of seasons
- Is a multi-sensory, meaningful activity
