Roses are red. Violets are blue.
We are excited that Spring is here and the flowers are in bloom.

April was National Garden Month and the Regency at Augusta resident family celebrated with flowers, of course. We also spent time outdoors helping our bee friends by planting some pollinators to kick off gardening season.

Gardens are beautiful to behold. They can enhance a landscape, provide us with food, and give us something to do with our hands. But did you know that gardening is also great for your health?

It’s true! Seniors that garden enjoy the following benefits:

1. Improved immune function. Sinking your hands into the soil is one of the best ways to expose your immune system to good bacteria. In fact, this good bacteria can help ease allergies, asthma, and even depression. 
2. Reduced stress levels. This one may seem obvious to the seasoned gardener. Getting outside and tending to plants has a therapeutic effect that helps reduce stress, anxiety, and boost the mood. 
3. Lessened risk for dementia. Studies have shown that gardening may be helpful in lowering risk for dementia. There are a few reasons this might be true. Gardening requires the use of the senses and motor skills. Digging, planting, pulling weeds and thinking strategically about where to place certain plants or how to control a plant that is overtaking a certain area. 
4. Improved strength. Believe it or not, gardening is actually good exercise. It’s not as vigorous as swimming or jogging, of course, but it does require quite a bit of sweat equity when it’s done right. Light exercise has been linked to slowing the aging process. Incorporate stretching before and after and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded exercise routine. 
5. Happier outlook. Fresh air, sunshine, and plants work magic on the mood and overall health. Over 40% of adults in the United States are Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D boosts serotonin, which contributes to feelings of happiness and contentment. 

Safety Precautions for Gardening Seniors

While the benefits of gardening are plentiful, there are a few precautions to take to ensure the activity remains safe and enjoyable for you.

• Be sure to wear a hat and long sleeves to protect your skin from the sun while you work. 
• Stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle close by and take regular breaks to quench your thirst. 
• Make sure someone knows where you are. If you’re heading out to the garden, be sure someone knows where you are or that you have a cell phone or medical alert with you so you can call for help if you were to fall. 

Gardening with friends or loved ones may be safest and probably even more enjoyable and beneficial.

Gardening is the perfect hobby to pick up this spring as a way to improve mental, emotional, and physical health.

Gardening in Assisted Living

If you are currently exploring your options for a senior living community, be sure to ensure that the community provides things that matter most to you, such as gardening.

Schedule a tour, talk with the activities director, and be sure their calendar is filled with events and activities that interest you the most.

We would love to show you around Regency at Augusta and tell you what makes us different. Schedule a visit today and come out and meet our compassionate team and resident family.