Home Care Enables Seniors to Enjoy Outdoor Activities Like Gardening in Edmonton, AB

Uncategorized  |  April 26, 2018

With the start of spring, everyone, including many seniors with home care, are getting outside to take advantage of the warmer weather by getting busy in the garden. Growing one’s own vegetables and flowers offers a variety of benefits – for body and mind! Some of these benefits include:

Exercise

When people are active in their gardens, they are actively exercising their heart and lungs as they walk, bend, and use garden tools. This can help with weight management and improved flexibility, as well.

Increased Exposure to Vitamin D

Being outdoors gives seniors increased exposure to vitamin D, essential for everybody! For aging adults, it can be even more important as it can prevent falls and fractures. Strengthening the bones helps maintain their essential independence and quality of life in home care. It can also decrease the risk of diabetes, heart issues, and possibly some types of cancer.

Reduced Stress

All aging adults experience the stress of financial struggles, health challenges, and the loss of loved ones at times. Good to know that gardening reduces stress levels and can even help with feelings of loneliness and depression. Relaxing in a peaceful outdoor environment is good for all ages!

A Sense of Accomplishment

Without staying active, aging leads to a decline in strength and stamina, as well as a sense of accomplishment. However, having a garden to tend provides older friends with something to accomplish and feel proud of. They can feel fulfilled by creating their own garden and sharing their harvest.

Reduced Risk of Dementia

With the prevalence of dementia, good to know that seniors can reduce the risk by gardening on a regular basis. How? It can actually improve their problem solving and sensory awareness skills, which can keep their brain in tip-top shape.

A New Skill or Hobby

Even if an older adult in home care has never gardened before, it’s not too late to gain this new hobby! Seniors might enjoy learning about different species of flowers or vegetables and eventually become experts in gardening.

In order to keep seniors safe while gardening, they should have sunscreen handy, drink plenty of fluids, and use knee pads if actually kneeling down. Long sleeves can protect from cuts and scratches. Be sure all walkways are flat and free of tripping hazards.

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