Gardening is a delightful activity that offers numerous health and happiness benefits. Not only can it reduce stress levels, but it can also be an enjoyable shared experience when done with a Companion. Whether you’re a gardening novice or an experienced green thumb, the joy of gardening with a friend can bring you even more benefits.
Gardening is a delightful activity that offers numerous health and happiness benefits. Not only can it reduce stress levels, but it can also be an enjoyable shared experience when done with a Companion. You can brainstorm ideas for the garden design together, such as choosing which flowers to plant and where to position them. Working together on a project can strengthen relationships and provide an opportunity for meaningful conversations.
Physical and Mental Benefits of Gardening
Gardening with a friend also offers physical benefits. Caring for a garden requires physical activity, such as raking leaves, planting seeds, or weeding and trimming plants. Performing these activities in pairs can make the task easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Gardening also has mental benefits, as research has shown it can reduce stress and anxiety. Working on a shared garden project with a companion can be calming and satisfying.
Bonding Through Nature
Gardening is also a great way to bond with nature. Whether you’re planting vegetables, herbs, or flowers together, you’ll benefit from the beauty of nature. You can also learn how to attract different types of wildlife to your garden, such as butterflies and birds, which adds a unique element to your gardening experience.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Gardening
Gardening has long been recognized as a therapeutic activity that engages the body, mind, and soul. For older adults, it offers numerous advantages, including:
Improving physical strength, balance, and coordination: Engaging in gardening, planting, weeding, and watering, promotes physical movement, flexibility, and strength.
Increasing flexibility and mobility: It is a gentle exercise that can improve cardiovascular health and help maintain mobility.
Boosting mental alertness and concentration: Gardening requires planning, problem-solving, and attention to detail. These cognitive demands help keep the mind sharp, enhance memory, and improve overall cognitive function.
Enhancing self-confidence and a sense of purpose: It provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, allowing older adults to stay engaged and maintain a meaningful daily routine. It instills a sense of responsibility and pride as they witness the fruits of their labor flourish.
Reducing loneliness and promoting social connections: Gardening with a companion or in a community garden can provide meaningful social interaction and improve communication and connection.
Whatever the reason, gardening is an uplifting activity that can bring joy to older adults and their families and friends. Overall, gardening is an enjoyable activity with numerous health benefits that can help boost the quality of life for older adults. The therapeutic nature of this pastime can promote physical and mental wellness while allowing seniors to stay connected to nature, express creativity, and build relationships as they age.
The joy of gardening with a friend is twofold—you can enjoy the health and happiness benefits of shared horticulture experiences while strengthening your bond. So don’t hesitate to invite a friend, family member, or Companion for gardening fun! Together, you can reap the rewards of a beautiful garden, improved mental and physical well-being, and lasting memories.
The Maxim at Home team is here to help
Do you need help with a loved one? Then consider Maxim at Home’s homemaker and companionship services. Our team of friendly, compassionate Companions takes great pride in serving people in their own community who need light assistance with daily chores, some company and conversation, or convenient transportation for errands, appointments, or trips to the store.
Explore our services to learn more about our:
- Homemaker and companionship services
- Easy-to-use scheduling platform
- “Best Value” service pricing
- Only 1-hour service minimum
Sign-up in seconds to enjoy free 24hr access to our on-demand scheduling platform, where you can view our team of vetted compassionate companions.
If you have questions about our services, please feel free to call 1-844-624-5646 to speak to one of our caring service Advisors.
Reference Links:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5576101/
www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/pubs_ext_vt_edu/en/SPES/spes-389/spes-389.html
www.extension.unh.edu/blog/2022/06/gardening-your-health
www.commons.und.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1385&context=ot-grad
www.nj.gov/agriculture/farmtoschool/summer-preschool/farm-to-adult-care/