Few things can be more calming and beautiful than taking care of plants and flowers. The benefits of gardening are immense and this activity can help elders who live in senior communities be happier and more joyous. Gardening can have numerous therapeutic benefits, especially if it’s done in the company of friends and family members.
At Discovery Village At Dominion, we do our best to incorporate gardening activities into the weekly routine of residents living in our community. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of gardening and how it can help your loved ones.
Reduces Stress
Gardening is a simple physical activity that can disconnect you from your regular worries and train of thought. You can do this activity without thinking about it and let your mind be free for a short amount of time. It has been proven that gardening can reduce stress levels and this is ideal for the elderly living in senior communities.
Boosts Communication and Friendships
One of the main benefits of gardening is that it’s usually done in the company of loved ones. By caring for plants and flowers, your family members also get the chance to interact with others and form friendships. This boosts morale, confidence, and gives your loved ones a sense of belonging. It is very easy to spend hours chatting with fellow residents while tending to flowers and plants.
Improves Mobility and Stamina
Although gardening is not a physically demanding activity, it will make the blood pump faster throughout the body. This is ideal because it can improve the cardiovascular system of the elderly living in senior communities. Doing mild physical effort can prolong the lifespan of your loved ones and improve their health, especially if it’s done several times a week.
Enjoy Plenty of Fresh Air and Sunlight
Nothing can be more beautiful than sitting outside and caring for plants while getting a tan and breathing fresh air. Gardening allows your loved ones to connect with nature and become healthier and happier as a result. Also, spending some time out in the sun can boost the levels of vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for a strong immune system and it can help your family members become less vulnerable to common colds and the flu.
Can Reduce the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s
Although more studies are required, a significant body of evidence shows that gardening might be able to reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s. This ailment accelerates memory loss in the elderly and there’s no real treatment for it at the moment of this writing. Luckily, gardening seems to provide a decent level of protection against this type of disease and that’s why this activity is so popular in senior communities.
Our team members at Discovery Village At Dominion put a great emphasis on gardening as a form of therapy for our residents. Make sure that you talk with one of our team members today to learn more about our senior programs and how we can help your loved ones live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
