Senior Living - Commonwealth Journal 2021 | Page 23

Research is revealing the many ways gardening improves the lives of seniors . It ’ s especially beneficial for mental health — reducing stress levels , depression and risk of developing Alzheimer ’ s or other forms of dementia by helping with cognitive functions .
As a moderate form of exercise , gardening can certainly contribute to the recommended 30 minutes of daily activity — helping seniors maintain or even increase their levels of mobility , strength and motor skills . The Arthritis Foundation recommends gardening to help with that painful condition . Most experts recommend senior gardeners stretch and warm up before working , change positions every 30 minutes or so , and trying to push rather than pull .
Gardening also has social benefits . For many , the love of gardening serves as a gateway to establishing friendships within their community . It can help seniors feel more connected to nature and provide them with a sense of accomplishment when they
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2021 SENIOR LIVING • 23