Gardening is a therapeutic hobby that nurtures life—for plants and gardeners. Older gardeners find that tending to plants cultivates the mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just learning, gardening is a beautiful activity that connects you to nature in new ways. In this article, we’ll delve into the benefits of gardening for seniors and offer unique gardening tips for seniors with mobility or accessibility concerns. 

Benefits of gardening for seniors

Gardening is a holistic hobby that enhances the quality of life for older adults. Older gardeners can benefit physically, mentally, and emotionally from cultivating a nursery of plants, flowers, and herbs. 

1. Gardening is fantastic physical exercise 

Gardening is a fantastic form of full-body exercise:

• Strength building: Lifting bags of soil, pushing wheelbarrows, and using gardening tools require physical exertion that tones muscles in the arms, shoulders, back, and legs. Since body strength is critical for independent daily living, gardening helps make everyday tasks easier to accomplish. 
• Joint mobility: Repetitive bending, squatting, and reaching movements may help maintain joint flexibility and range of motion. This is particularly beneficial for older gardeners who want to strengthen their joints with low-impact exercise. 
• Balance and coordination: Navigating uneven terrain and carrying delicate plants require balance and coordination. Gardening for seniors can help improve balance and flexibility, which can also reduce the risk of falls. 

2. Older gardeners are less stressed than non-gardeners 

Spending time in green spaces has a proven positive impact on mood, encouraging mindfulness and tranquility. The sensory experience of touching soil, smelling flowers, and hearing birds sing can reduce anxiety and feelings of loneliness. Studies show gardening lowers cortisol – the body’s primary stress hormone – making it an effective therapy for stress reduction.

Gardening is often used as a mindfulness or meditation practice for many older gardeners. Being fully immersed in the cultivation of life centers your focus on the present moment and creates a grander sense of gratitude for the natural world. This kind of mindfulness can dramatically impact mental wellbeing and brain health. 

3. Gardening for seniors improves sleep 

Spending time outdoors exposes gardeners to natural sunlight, which is essential for the body’s production of vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone health, immune function, mood regulation, and sleep. That, in combination with the fresh air and physical exertion, can help regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to more restful and rejuvenating sleep for older gardeners. 

4. Gardening is good for the brain 

Gardening requires problem-solving, creativity, and attention to detail. Gardeners must choose suitable plants, troubleshoot pests and diseases, and plan greenery layouts – all of which challenge the brain and sharpen cognitive abilities. Lifelong learning about gardening tips for seniors can keep your brain strong and malleable. 

5. Older gardeners find a sense of purpose in their work 

Cultivating life is rewarding. Watching seeds turn into plants, harvesting fruits and vegetables, and adding beauty to your home or community can instill a deep sense of satisfaction and pride. Having this sense of purpose in life helps reduce feelings of stress and depression for older gardeners, leading to an enhanced quality of life.  

6. Gardening for seniors is a social activity 

Gardening is a great way to foster connections with other members of your community. You can participate in clubs where you share gardening tips for seniors or join a local community garden to help grow fruits and veggies for local nonprofits. Gardening offers many opportunities to connect with neighbors and make new friends. 

7 gardening tips for seniors 

Gardening is a rewarding and gratifying hobby but can be physically taxing. Older gardeners may want to make adjustments to ensure a comfortable experience. Below are several gardening tips for seniors who may wish to adapt to meet their accessibility needs, like arthritis, limited mobility, and other health conditions. 

1. Choose ergonomic tools. 

Invest in lightweight, ergonomic gardening tools that are easy to grip and handle. Opt for tools with padded grips, long handles, and a comfortable design to reduce the strain on your hands and wrists. Avoid carrying heavy, bulky items by using wheeled carts or garden scooters to help transport your supplies and plants. 

2. Use adaptive equipment. 

Consider purchasing gardening equipment that accommodates your physical limitations.

• Kneelers and garden stools offer padding, so you’re not kneeling directly on the hard ground.
• Rather than traditional garden beds, vertical planters allow you to plant while standing or sitting in a chair. 
• Raised garden beds or elevated planters minimize the need for bending or kneeling, making them more accessible for older gardeners with mobility issues. (Raised beds also promote better drainage and soil quality, meaning your plants will be healthier too!)
• Install drip irrigation systems that help water your plants automatically, so you don’t have to lug heavy watering cans every week. 

3. Choose low-maintenance plants. 

If you’re a beginner, opt for low-maintenance plants that require minimal watering, pruning, and upkeep. Plants native to your area are a great place to start since they grow naturally within the environment. Ask your local garden shops or nurseries for advice on which plant varieties are great for beginners in your area. 

Get a ride to your local plant nursery with GoGoRides. Let your GoGo operator know you plan to bring plants home on your return trip, and they can help you find an accessible ride that can fit all your new seedlings and flowers. 

4. Design your garden for comfort. 

Keep comfort and mobility in mind when designing and creating the layout for your garden. Here are some accessibility ideas for older gardeners: 

• Leave space for wide pathways. 
• Install handrails along walkways and on stairs. 
• Incorporate seating areas where you can rest to admire your handiwork. 
• Add sensory elements like fragrant flowers, wind chimes, or bird or butterfly feeders. 
• Add shade structures and umbrellas to prevent relief from the sun. 

5. Start with indoor gardening. 

Indoor gardening for seniors brings the beauty of the outdoors inside. Having plants in your home boasts a ton of physical and mental benefits, like reducing stress and helping you recover from illness faster. If you have limited space, like if you live in an apartment building or shared home, consider container-gardening flowers, herbs, or small vegetables on a patio, balcony, or windowsill.

Older gardeners with mobility issues or chronic health conditions might find indoor planting a more comfortable way to achieve many of the benefits of gardening without facing the harsh outdoor elements. 

6. Practice smart gardening for seniors. 

Gardening should be enjoyable and relaxing. Don’t let your garden cause you any mental or physical stress. Here are some safety gardening tips for seniors to ensure you get the most out of your new hobby:

• Take frequent breaks to prevent overexertion.
• Don’t take on more than you can handle. Start slow. 
• Learn proper lifting techniques, such as bending at the knees to lift heavy bags of soil.  
• Stay hydrated. 
• Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. 
• Unplug all power tools when they are not in use. 
• Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction. 
• Wear thick gloves to protect your hands from cuts, splinters, and burns. 
• Use ear, eye, and nose protection in relevant situations, like when using chemicals or power towels. 
• Talk to other gardeners in your area to learn about safety, local plants, and more. 
• If you’re unsure how to plan or start a garden, consider hiring a GoGo Home Professional gardener to help you get going. 

7. Join a community garden. 

Community gardens provide older gardeners access to shared gardening spaces, resources, and social support. These spaces are often tailored to older gardeners with features like raised garden beds, ergonomic tools, and educational workshops.

By joining a community garden, you can cultivate plants while also connecting with fellow gardeners. This is a great way to form meaningful friendships and share gardening tips. This sense of camaraderie has a positive impact on mental wellbeing and quality of life for older gardeners.  

Many community gardens also serve the local population, like helping to grow fresh fruits and vegetables for local food banks. This means you can use your skills to aid your community in a beneficial and meaningful way. 

Get to your local community garden with GoGo Rides. With GoGo, you have 24/7 access to safe,reliable, and hassle-free rides. That means you can focus on gardening rather than on the headache of figuring out how to get there.  

Gardening for seniors: conclusion

Gardening is the perfect hobby for older adults looking to promote their physical health, mental wellness, and social connection. Whether planting flowers outside or tending to indoor houseplants, gardening offers a rewarding and fulfilling experience for seniors of all abilities. By following these gardening tips for seniors, older gardeners can enjoy all these benefits safely, comfortably, and accessibly. 

Use GoGoGrandparent to catch a ride to your local plant nursery, community garden, or garden club. With GoGo Rides, you have convenient and reliable transportation, so you can always get where you need to go without worry. Learn more about GoGo Rides here.