Summer is here and it is time to shed those heavy boots and coats and replace them with shorts and t-shirts. It is also the time to step out into the garden and begin the act of tending to your plants. Gardening can be a great pastime for many seniors during the summer months. Besides this, gardening can have many health benefits.
Benefits of Gardening
Your overall physical and mental health is benefited by gardening. Here are some of the benefits.
- Gardening provides exercise and improves mobility and flexibility. It is very easy for retirees to become inactive. Gardening is a fun way of ensuring you are active.
- You use various areas of the body when gardening. For example, bending, reaching, and stooping all work to improve your fitness and motor skills.
- Pulling weeds and plants out of the earth improves your strength.
- It reduces stress levels as many seniors find gardening relaxing.
- The fresh air and all that exercise enable you to sleep better, and this improves your health.
- Diseases, such as osteoporosis are common with aging. Being active, in a task like gardening, reduces this risk.
- Your concentration skills increase because of the constant need to pay attention to what you are doing.
- Waving and chatting to people who either pass or stop by can improve your social skills.
- It also gives you a sense of accomplishment which also increases self-esteem.
Considerations when Gardening
Although gardening is good for you, it can be dangerous if you don’t pay attention to a few factors. For example, walking on uneven terrain can increase your risk of falling. You can avoid this by using a cane or walker. Always apply sunscreen before going outdoors and keep a track of how long you are outdoors. Your skin is thin and fragile and it is easy to burn. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and also stay in during the hottest times of the day. If possible wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap. Always consider purchasing lightweight gardening tools and rest frequently.
Gardening is a good hobby and a healthy pastime. But, not paying attention to the above considerations can cause unnecessary problems for you.
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