Gardening is a pleasurable activity: a place of tranquility that is conducive to reflection, a place to recharge your batteries and appreciate nature; happy are the garden owners! Cape cod landscaping companies explain everything there is to know about gardening, from the therapeutic benefits of gardening to the necessary arrangements to ensure it remains a pleasure.
The advantages of gardening for older adults
Gardening is the best activity for boosting one's spirits. On sunny days, a garden allows you to take a break in the open air and appreciate the tranquility and beauty of nature. It is a place that can reduce anxiety and combat depression, not only because of its calming appearance, but also because it requires daily maintenance, and it is especially rewarding to watch the garden develop over the course of the year as a result of this care. Yes, a beautiful garden or a productive vegetable garden can be a great source of pride!
The second advantage of gardening is that it encourages physical activity: mowing the lawn, watering the flowers, raking, and trimming the hedges... So many activities that, seemingly out of nowhere, qualify as cardio exercises. -vascular . Additionally, gardening requires bending, squatting, and kneeling, which is good for the joints. A pleasurable activity that allows you to maintain your flexibility, strengthen your resistance, and increase your stamina to prevent loss of independence.
Adapt your gardening to your skills
As stated previously, gardening can be a physically demanding activity; to keep it enjoyable, it is best to design the garden according to your abilities. Do not be afraid to reduce the area that needs to be maintained by creating delimited spaces, such as flower beds and small vegetable gardens. A method for giving your garden style and making it easier to maintain.
There are also taller containers, such as height-adjustable pedestal planters, for gardening at the proper height if you have difficulty bending down. You can also choose low-maintenance plants, such as ground covers, perennials, and small trees like the Indian lilac, to create a beautiful garden that requires little care.
Finally, to garden peacefully, it is preferable to have quality tools. In order to move potting soil and other materials without injuring yourself, a garden hand truck is essential. Gardening implements such as spades, shovels, and other essentials are available in lighter and more compact designs that require considerably less effort. Many gardening stores have also developed senior ranges with lightweight and ergonomic tools that are easier to use.
Therapeutic gardens in retirement communities and nursing homes
Gardens are becoming increasingly prevalent in retirement communities, EHPADs, and assisted living facilities, indicating that their value in senior living facilities has been well recognized. The gardens enable residents to maintain contact with nature and breathe in fresh air at will. It is also a good project for engaging and motivating residents, as a community garden will be designed and constructed.
In addition to the aforementioned advantages, therapeutic gardens in institutions are designed to stimulate the senses:
Hearing is enhanced by fountains, sight by vibrant colors, taste by a section of a vegetable garden, smell by aromatic herbs, and touch by a variety of flowers and plants.
In institutions specializing in the care of Alzheimer's patients, therapeutic gardens with calming and stimulating qualities on an emotional, sensory, and aesthetic level are becoming more prevalent.
