Aug 15,
Alissa Sauer
At Treeo – South Ogden, we hold the belief that life improves when you engage with the earth. Our resident garden is not merely a set of raised beds and flowering plants. It serves as a space to cultivate friendships, discover purpose, and find joy within our community. The garden at Treeo – South Ogden independent living ranks among the top gathering spots for residents. Whether it’s planting herbs, caring for flowers, or harvesting fresh vegetables, gardening fosters purpose, community connection, and genuine health advantages.
5 Ways Gardening Benefits Senior Health
Gardening activates both the mind and body in ways that perfectly complement PrimeFit Wellness, our distinctive approach to senior care. The fresh air, natural sunlight, and consistent movement enhance balance, flexibility, and stamina. The concentration and joy derived from nurturing plants promote brain health and elevate mood, while the physical activity develops strength and maintains your ability to move with assurance.
“My father introduced me to gardening when I was tiny, and he would say, ‘If you have a tomato ripe by your birthday (August 1), then you’ve got a great garden.’ This year, I had a tomato red!” – Pat R. resident gardener
Here are additional ways that gardening enhances the health of older adults:
1. Research indicates gardening reduces stress.
Spending time in a garden is not only peaceful; it actively reduces stress. In a properly conducted study, participants engaged in a stressful activity and then either gardened outside or read inside for half an hour. Although both groups experienced a reduction in stress, those who gardened exhibited notable decreases in cortisol (a primary stress hormone), and their mood improved. Conversely, the reading group’s mood continued to decline. This marks one of the initial experimental studies indicating that gardening not only calms the mind but also rejuvenates mood.
2. Gardening has been shown to boost serotonin, alleviating depression symptoms.
There’s an increasing body of scientific research suggesting that friendly soil microbes may function as natural mood enhancers. A study from the UK revealed that a harmless microbe prevalent in garden soil can stimulate serotonin-producing neurons in the brain in ways akin to some antidepressants. While this phenomenon has been noted in mice and necessitates more human-based studies, it offers an intriguing hint as to why engaging with soil might elevate mood and lessen anxiety.
Digging your hands into the soil does more than help plants thrive; it may also bolster emotional health. At Treeo – South Ogden, we witness this daily. The simple act of caring for a plant can alleviate stress, brighten your mood, and connect you more deeply to the present (and to each other).
3. Gardening may enhance heart health.
Gardening benefits your plants as well as your heart. The combination of digging, planting, watering, and strolling through the garden contributes moderate physical activity that can assist you in achieving the <a href="https://www.heart