Aug 15,
Alissa Sauer
At Treeo – South Ogden, we hold the belief that life flourishes when you engage with the earth. Our community garden transcends mere raised beds and vibrant blooms. It serves as a venue for cultivating friendships, purpose, and joy right within our community. The garden at Treeo – South Ogden independent living is favored among residents for social gatherings. Whether planting herbs, caring for flowers, or harvesting fresh vegetables, gardening fosters purpose, community bonds, and notable health advantages.
5 Ways Gardening Enhances Senior Health
Gardening activates both the mind and body in ways that harmonize seamlessly with PrimeFit Wellness, our distinctive methodology for senior health. The outdoor air, natural sunlight, and continuous movement enhance balance, flexibility, and stamina. The concentration and fulfillment derived from nurturing plants bolster cognitive health and uplift spirits, while the physical exertion strengthens the body and promotes confident mobility.
“My father introduced me to gardening when I was as small as a grasshopper, and he stated, ‘If you have a tomato red on your birthday (August 1), then you’ve achieved a successful garden.’ This year, I had a tomato red!” – Pat R. resident gardener
Here are additional ways that gardening enhances the health of seniors:
1. Research indicates gardening reduces stress.
Engaging in gardening activities is not only soothing; it actively decreases stress. A well-conducted study had participants undertake a taxing task then either garden outdoors or read indoors for half an hour. While both cohorts demonstrated reduced stress levels, those who gardened saw considerably greater reductions in cortisol (a principal stress hormone), leading to a quicker mood improvement. Conversely, the reading group’s mood showed a continued decline. This is among the pioneering experimental studies suggesting that gardening not only calms the mind but also restores emotional state.
2. Gardening has been proven to boost serotonin, alleviating depressive symptoms.
Increasing scientific evidence points to the idea that beneficial soil microbes may function as natural mood enhancers. A UK study revealed that a benign microbe prevalent in garden soil can stimulate serotonin-producing neurons in the brain, akin to certain antidepressant mechanisms. While this effect has been observed in animal studies and requires more research on humans, it provides intriguing insights into why interacting with soil may elevate mood and alleviate anxiety.
Digging your hands into the soil does more than nurture plants; it can also promote emotional well-being. At Treeo – South Ogden, we witness this daily. The fundamental act of caring for a plant can reduce stress, enhance mood, and facilitate a deeper connection to the present (and to one another).
3. Gardening may enhance heart health.
Gardening is not solely beneficial for plants; it also positively impacts your cardiovascular system. The combination of digging, planting, watering, and strolling through the garden offers moderate physical activity that can assist you in achieving <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/healthy