At Treeo – South Ogden, we hold the belief that engaging with the earth enhances life. Our community garden transcends a mere assembly of raised beds and vibrant blossoms. It serves as a venue to cultivate relationships, find purpose, and share joy in our neighborhood. The garden at Treeo – South Ogden independent living stands out as a favored gathering place for residents. Whether it involves planting herbs, caring for flowers, or harvesting fresh produce, gardening offers purpose, connection, and significant health advantages.

5 Ways Gardening Supports Senior Health

Gardening stimulates both the mind and body in ways that seamlessly align with PrimeFit Wellness, our distinctive method for senior well-being. The fresh air, sunlight, and consistent activity bolster balance, flexibility, and stamina. The concentration and fulfillment derived from nurturing plants promote cognitive health and elevate mood, while the physical exercise enhances strength and encourages confident movement.

“My father got me into gardening when I was as tiny as a grasshopper, and he said, ‘If you have a tomato red on your birthday (August 1), then you’ve got a thriving 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 that gardening reduces stress.

Spending time in a garden is not only calming; it also diminishes stress levels. A carefully controlled study revealed that participants who completed a stressful task and then either gardened outdoors or read indoors for 30 minutes both experienced a decrease in stress. However, those who gardened showed significantly greater reductions in cortisol levels (a major stress hormone), and their mood improved. Conversely, the reading group’s mood continued to decline. This was one of the initial experimental studies suggesting that gardening does more than relax the mind; it also revitalizes mood.

2. Gardening has been found to elevate serotonin levels, alleviating depression symptoms.

Growing scientific insights suggest that friendly soil microorganisms may function as natural mood enhancers. A UK study identified a benign microbe found in garden soil that can activate serotonin-producing neurons in the brain similarly to certain antidepressants. Although this effect has been observed in mice and further human research is needed, it provides an intriguing indication of why interacting with soil might uplift mood and mitigate anxiety.

Digging your hands into the soil does more than foster flowers; it may also bolster emotional health. At Treeo – South Ogden, we witness this daily. The straightforward act of caring for a plant can alleviate stress, lift spirits, and foster a deeper connection to the present moment (and to one another).

3. Gardening could enhance cardiovascular health.

Gardening isn’t only beneficial for your plants; it’s also advantageous for your heart. The combination of digging, planting, watering, and strolling around the garden constitutes moderate physical activity that can contribute to achieving the recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise.

A comprehensive study in Sweden monitored over 4,000 adults aged 60 and above and discovered that those who regularly gardened or engaged in other hands-on, non-exercise activities had up to a 30% reduced risk of heart attack and stroke relative to their less active counterparts. This type of consistent, moderate movement supports blood vessel flexibility, promotes healthy blood flow, and can make daily activities feel less strenuous.

Spending time outdoors in the garden provides increased sunlight exposure, which naturally elevates vitamin D levels. Sufficient vitamin D contributes to stronger bones, enhanced immune function, and improved heart health. Collectively, these advantages position gardening as a delightful and sustainable method for maintaining cardiovascular wellness.

4. Seniors who garden may enhance their mobility and strength.

Gardening activities such as planting, bending, and reaching engage muscles that promote flexibility, core stability, and balance, essential components in fall prevention. A recent study indicated that older adults who gardened consistently demonstrated superior performance in balance and gait-speed assessments, indicating a reduced risk of falls. For many residents, gardening transcends mere leisure; it’s a source of gentle, functional physical exercise. Those recuperating from illness or facing mobility difficulties particularly benefit from the low-impact strength-building actions required in gardening.

In essence, gardening not only keeps muscles engaged and joints stable but also delivers clear advantages that can improve daily mobility and lower the probability of falls.

5. Gardening fosters overall cognitive health and may decrease the chance of dementia.

A long-term research project from the University of Edinburgh revealed that older adults who gardened regularly exhibited enhanced thinking skills (such as memory, problem-solving, and word fluency) even into their 80s and 90s when compared to those who didn’t garden. Another study indicated that daily gardening can diminish the risk of dementia by approximately 36 percent, likely due to the combination of physical activity, problem-solving, fine motor tasks, and sensory engagement, all of which bolster cognitive function.

Thinking About Moving?

Our gardens are crafted to facilitate an enjoyable experience for everyone.