General News
18 October, 2024
An enjoyable activity for all ages
ONE of the best things about gardening is that it is something that can be enjoyed by people of all ages – from the very young through to the more elderly.
As we step into our senior years, the love for gardening doesn’t diminish but our ability to spend long hours in the soil may.
Whether you’re dealing with mobility issues or just looking for ways to make gardening less physically demanding, there are several options available.
Gardening has many benefits for older people and with so many options available on the market today in terms of garden beds, equipment and easy-to-use tools, elderly residents can enjoy creating a garden that is both interesting and accessible.
Some gardening tips for the elderly include using a trellis or vertical garden to alleviate the need to bend down, and building tall raised beds that allow you to sit on the side while gardening.
There are many gardening tools available for seniors that help to make work in the garden more enjoyable and comfortable.
This includes seed syringes and seed tape.
Container gardening is also a low-risk and accessible method for older residents.
When in the garden and tending to flower beds make sure you sit on a stool rather than kneel or crouch down to do ground-level work if having trouble with your knees.
Take breaks and rest when you need to and make sure to use proper lifting techniques when handling heavy bags of soil or pots – better still, ask a younger friend, relative or neighbour to lend a hand.
Make sure you avoid overstretching or over-exerting yourself while outdoors and, if possible, head out in the cooler part of the day.
Overdoing physical activities can lead to joint pain, muscle fatigue and even more serious health issues.
Be sure you have easy access to your garden, particularly if you walk with an aide such as a walking stick or frame.
If you have any uneven footpaths or surfaces that lead to your garden, have these fixed to avoid potential injury.
For better visibility at night, consider installing motion-senor lights.
Gardening should be enjoyable and rewarding but also safe so make sure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear (and a hat on warmer days) when heading outdoors.
