Did you know that seniors can reduce their risk of dementia with gardening by 36%? It also offers many other benefits to their physical, mental and emotional health. If you care for or are concerned about an older person, it might be a good idea to introduce this pastime.
This article will explore the benefits of gardening and give practical tips for getting started, regardless of physical limitations.
Gardening Benefits for Seniors
Gardening has many benefits for seniors, including:
Physical Health
- Increased fitness and wellness. Gardening can be a great way to increase energy, prevent diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease, and improve your overall health.
- Improved flexibility, motor skills, and mobility. The basic movements of gardening, such as digging, watering, weeding and planting, require different movements that can help seniors maintain or improve flexibility, motor skills, and mobility in their joints and muscles.
- Strengthening core muscles Gardening can improve your balance and strength.
- Lowers blood pressure. According to studies, gardening can help lower blood tension because it is low-impact, involves exposure to nature and increases vitamin D absorption.
- Access to healthy foods. Seniors are able to grow their own fruit and vegetables. This can reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Mental and Emotional health
- Mental health improved. According to studies, gardening improves seniors' mental health because it gives them a sense purpose and accomplishment. It can reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.
- Stress and anxiety are reduced. The mind can be calmed by spending time in nature or taking care of plants.
- Improved cognitive function. The act of gardening requires planning, problem solving, and making decisions, all of which are essential to keeping the brain active.
- Opportunities for socialization. Gardening is a good way to help seniors connect with others in their community and build a feeling of belonging.
Health Risks and Factors for Gardening with the Elderly
Gardening is a physical activity that can be dangerous, especially for seniors. It's important to remember the following tips in order to make gardening as safe as possible.
Extended Sun Exposure
To reduce the risk for sunburns and skin damage, make sure that seniors you care for are wearing sunscreen while gardening. Use sunscreens with at least a 30 SPF all day long. Don't forget the neck, back of the hands, or wrists if they are exposed. Also, wide-brimmed caps are a great idea.
Visual Problems
Seniors who have poor peripheral vision are at greater risk of gardening accidents, including missing a step or falling. Keep an eye out for seniors you are caring for to ensure their safety.
Fluctuations of Body Temperature
While gardening, the body temperature of seniors may fluctuate. This is especially true if they live in a hotter climate. Heat exhaustion could be a result.
Ensure that seniors you care for are getting enough fluids to drink and take breaks when needed.
Overexertion
Incorrect lifting and lowering can lead to muscle strains, sprains or even fractures. Additionally, repeated motions such as raking and digging can cause aches in your arms and back.
Encourage seniors to lift bags of mulch or soil with care (e.g., by lifting the bag using their legs instead of dumping the weight on the back). To prevent wrist and hand injuries (or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), everyone should warm up before gardening with exercises to improve flexibility and strength.
Pesticides and Exposure
Seniors are more susceptible to the harmful effects of pesticide exposure, including respiratory problems, skin irritation and an increased risk of cancer. As we age, the body becomes less efficient at eliminating and metabolizing toxins. Seniors who have underlying conditions such as asthma or a weak immune system may also be at higher risk.
Prevent exposure to pesticides by taking precautions. Wear protective clothing, gloves and follow pesticide label instructions.
Making your garden more accessible for the elderly
Here's a list of simple modifications that you can make to help the seniors under your care have a safe garden experience:
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Instead of tiling the hard floor, lay down grass between garden beds. This will protect older people in the event of a slip.
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Harvesting is easier with vertical planters or trellis space.
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To reduce bending or stooping, use potted plants and raised beds.
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Consider investing in equipment that is adaptable, such as knee pads and gardening tools with foam padding, like sheers, to make it easier to hold.
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Use shaded areas in order to reduce the chance of sunburns and heat exhaustion.
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Place a few chairs that are stable in the yard for a break.
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Wear gardening gloves, protective shoes and comfortable clothing to ensure that seniors who are in your care always wear them.
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If you have an elderly relative who suffers from dementia and is prone to wandering, invest in fences and gates that provide security.
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To make watering easier, install a drip-feeder system (a low pressure, low volume, automatic watering device).
Easy Plants to Grow for Seniors
Some plants are easier than others to grow. Here are some tips to help your seniors succeed:
- Cherry and grape tomatoesspan size=”font weight: 400 ;”>. They take up very little space and will continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season.
- Bell Peppersspan size=”font weight: 400 ;”>. These vegetables are easy to grow and take up little space.
- Peas and beansspan size=”font weight: 400 ;”>. Beans and peas can “fix” nitrogen in the soil from the air, making them less reliant on fertilizers. The shallow roots make them easy to plant, and they grow in many soil types.
- Cucumbers. They are easy to grow because of their short season, ability to adapt to soil and water conditions, and low susceptibility for pests and disease. Even if certain plants do not thrive, they can still produce a large harvest.
- Zucchini. Zucchinis have a high level of pest and disease resistance, making them an excellent choice for beginners. Zucchinis can yield a lot of fruit from a small number of plants. They are also adaptable to a variety soil types and watering regimes.
Get Your Senior Friends Gardening
The benefits of gardening to seniors are numerous. With the right tools, anyone can participate. Why not introduce seniors to this rewarding hobby and let them experience all it has to give?
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16411871/
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-Benefits-of-Gardening-for-Older-Adults%3A-A-of-Wang-MacMillan/37fc1df18e91ae76e62ec93f1e7fd818da43f6b4
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6427672/
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Exploring-the-health-and-wellbeing-benefits-of-for-Scott-Masser/fe34cc2fe81001f36e5f434f79bd346b566713ce
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/%E2%80%9CBeing-Grounded%E2%80%9D%3A-Benefits-of-Gardening-for-Older-Wang-Glicksman/3dcf8f9ded0ebfd6eb4bc2debae9effe4f6c2f08
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6977207/#:~:text=Gardening%20requires%20regular%20and%20continuous,diabetes%2C%20depression%20and%20heart%20disease.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6977207/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6334070/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6110226/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6334070/#:~:text=It%20combines%20physical%20activity%20with,positive%20impact%20on%20the%20diet.
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/repetitive-motion-disorders
https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_a/A129/
http://www.ezfromseed.org/easyseeds.php#list
https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-summer-squash-and-zucchini-home-gardens
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5913798/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9231402/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5069380/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166730/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20652665/
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2013-09/documents/aging_internet.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1280410/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5153451/
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/carpal-tunnel-syndrome
https://www.thespruce.com/drip-irrigation-systems-guide-5215166
The article Gardening for Seniors – Health Benefits and how to get started appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes holistic medicine superior?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. This means looking at how someone feels, what they eat, where they live, how much stress they are under etc…
Holistic medicine is holistic and considers all aspects a patient's lives. It treats them all as one complete package. While it sounds simple, it can be very challenging to implement in practice because doctors often focus on the patient's physical health.
What is complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine is an umbrella term for any medical treatment that complements mainstream medicine. This covers treatments such as acupuncture (aromatherapy), chiropractic care, homeopathy and hypnosis.
Complementary medicines should not be used in lieu of traditional medicine. They should be used alongside it. They are sometimes called “alternative”, and “integrative”, as they combine Western science methods with other healing approaches.
What is holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine doctors are those who treat patients holistically. They may use traditional methods such as herbs and acupuncture but integrate these into western medicine.
They seek to treat an illness and not just symptoms. The patient should feel better after treatment.
The doctor should not only focus on curing the disease but also help prevent future illnesses.
“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.
What are the Alternative Medical Systems?
There are five alternatives to traditional medicine: Ayurveda and Ayurveda; homeopathy; energy healing; aromatherapy; and Ayurveda.
Acupuncture uses fine needles placed in specific points of the body to stimulate qi flow throughout the body.
Ayurvedic Medicine refers to an ancient system that balances three of the most important elements of health care: water, fire and air. It involves diet, exercise, herbal remedies, massage, and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine is derived from the Greek words homoios meaning similar and pathos meaning disease. Homeopaths believe in natural causes for all diseases, but not necessarily symptoms. Homeopaths prescribe tiny amounts of substances to cause symptoms that are similar to those experienced by patients when they are ill.
Energy Healing is also known by EFT, Rolfing (emotional touch), Reiki, Rolfing, Rolfing, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch and many other names. This therapy is based upon the belief that all of us are connected to a universal force of life called Ki. If this Ki flows freely though us, it makes us feel well. Energy healers use touch and intention to help restore balance and harmony between our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves.
Aromatherapy uses essential herbs extracted from plants to provide therapeutic benefits. Aromatherapists believe certain scents can influence mood and behavior. Lavender essential oil is used most often in aromatherapy.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
doi.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
cam.cancer.gov
How To
How To Deal With My Girlfriend Trusting Alternative Medicine?
The internet offers guidance for those caring for a loved one with a mental illness. There is not much information available to assist those who believe in alternative medicine.
It appears that there is a large divide between the two groups. Both those who have doubts about traditional medicine and those who see the benefits.
What happens when someone believes there are other treatments for mental illness?
Because you don’t know where to start, you may feel confused and frustrated. What should you say to your partner if he tells that he would prefer to see an acupuncturist to his doctor? Or when she suggests that she would rather eat gluten-free food than take antidepressants?
Asking questions is crucial. It is important to ask questions early so that you don't have to suffer later.
So how can you ask difficult questions of him without offending? What if your client says he doesn’t believe in doctors? Do you tell him that he shouldn't trust anyone?
Or what if she insists that antidepressants work but she doesn't believe so? You can correct her.
Here is where things get tricky. It can cause further irritation if you point it out that she is wrong.
Alternativly, you might suggest that she sees an psychiatrist. This may create more problems than it solves. She might get angry at you for suggesting this. Perhaps she thinks you are trying her to control the rest of her life.
What should you do?
–
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: jbenson@innovisionhm.com
Title: Gardening for Seniors: Health Benefits and How to Get Started
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/aging/a-guide-to-gardening-for-the-elderly/
Published Date: Mon, 15 May 2023 15:40:24 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes holistic medicine superior?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. This means looking at how someone feels, what they eat, where they live, how much stress they are under etc…
Holistic medicine is holistic and considers all aspects a patient's lives. It treats them all as one complete package. While it sounds simple, it can be very challenging to implement in practice because doctors often focus on the patient's physical health.
What is complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine is an umbrella term for any medical treatment that complements mainstream medicine. This covers treatments such as acupuncture (aromatherapy), chiropractic care, homeopathy and hypnosis.
Complementary medicines should not be used in lieu of traditional medicine. They should be used alongside it. They are sometimes called “alternative”, and “integrative”, as they combine Western science methods with other healing approaches.
What is holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine doctors are those who treat patients holistically. They may use traditional methods such as herbs and acupuncture but integrate these into western medicine.
They seek to treat an illness and not just symptoms. The patient should feel better after treatment.
The doctor should not only focus on curing the disease but also help prevent future illnesses.
“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.
What are the Alternative Medical Systems?
There are five alternatives to traditional medicine: Ayurveda and Ayurveda; homeopathy; energy healing; aromatherapy; and Ayurveda.
Acupuncture uses fine needles placed in specific points of the body to stimulate qi flow throughout the body.
Ayurvedic Medicine refers to an ancient system that balances three of the most important elements of health care: water, fire and air. It involves diet, exercise, herbal remedies, massage, and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine is derived from the Greek words homoios meaning similar and pathos meaning disease. Homeopaths believe in natural causes for all diseases, but not necessarily symptoms. Homeopaths prescribe tiny amounts of substances to cause symptoms that are similar to those experienced by patients when they are ill.
Energy Healing is also known by EFT, Rolfing (emotional touch), Reiki, Rolfing, Rolfing, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch and many other names. This therapy is based upon the belief that all of us are connected to a universal force of life called Ki. If this Ki flows freely though us, it makes us feel well. Energy healers use touch and intention to help restore balance and harmony between our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves.
Aromatherapy uses essential herbs extracted from plants to provide therapeutic benefits. Aromatherapists believe certain scents can influence mood and behavior. Lavender essential oil is used most often in aromatherapy.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
doi.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
cam.cancer.gov
How To
How To Deal With My Girlfriend Trusting Alternative Medicine?
The internet offers guidance for those caring for a loved one with a mental illness. There is not much information available to assist those who believe in alternative medicine.
It appears that there is a large divide between the two groups. Both those who have doubts about traditional medicine and those who see the benefits.
What happens when someone believes there are other treatments for mental illness?
Because you don’t know where to start, you may feel confused and frustrated. What should you say to your partner if he tells that he would prefer to see an acupuncturist to his doctor? Or when she suggests that she would rather eat gluten-free food than take antidepressants?
Asking questions is crucial. It is important to ask questions early so that you don't have to suffer later.
So how can you ask difficult questions of him without offending? What if your client says he doesn’t believe in doctors? Do you tell him that he shouldn't trust anyone?
Or what if she insists that antidepressants work but she doesn't believe so? You can correct her.
Here is where things get tricky. It can cause further irritation if you point it out that she is wrong.
Alternativly, you might suggest that she sees an psychiatrist. This may create more problems than it solves. She might get angry at you for suggesting this. Perhaps she thinks you are trying her to control the rest of her life.
What should you do?
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