A lifelong passion for gardening need not come to a stop. The recreational activity gives exercise, stimulation, accomplishment, and a variety of other mental and physical benefits. Garden centers and nurseries are paying attention to the unique requirements of senior gardeners. There are a variety of gardening tools for seniors as well as strategies to help a gardener who is feeling the effects of the passage of time. Activities for senior gardeners may necessitate some adaption and knowledge of elderly-accessible gardens. Read our planting tips in assisted living for when mobility difficulties arise.
Planting Suggestions
Beyond simply being a healthy habit, gardening has many advantages. You typically live on fixed incomes and may struggle to meet basic needs. Growing vegetables in the garden allows you to extend your budget while still ensuring a well-balanced diet. Seeds are inexpensive, and there are simple sowing methods for aging gardeners. Seed tape, seed with the soil mixed in, and seed syringes are all useful gardening equipment for your family members. Use transplants, which are large enough to grab and place in your mattress if dexterity is a concern. Container gardening is a low-risk and easily accessible technique of gardening. Containers should be on casters or platforms for ease of movement and made of lightweight materials.
Gardening Equipment
Arthritis makes gripping tools difficult or impossible. To soften the handles and provide traction, you can add foam grips to existing instruments. Stretching becomes a problem as well, but this is easily solved with a variety of “grabbers” and extension poles. Gardening equipment with brightly colored handles is vital for those who are beginning to have eyesight problems, and colorful bike tape or multi-colored duct tape can be used to build these quickly. A wheeled garden caddy is one of the most useful accessories for the aging gardener. These serve as a tool container, a convenient cart, and a perch for transferring larger items. Coiled hoses, which may be attached to your kitchen faucet, are useful for gardeners with patios or lanais. These aid in the prevention of injuries caused by the transport of heavy watering cans.
Creating A Low-Maintenance Garden
One of the most significant effects of aging is a loss of stamina and mobility. If getting around is difficult or the work routine is too extensive, continued enjoyment in the garden may be hampered. However, there are a few basic things that can be done to ensure that the garden remains a pleasant place to visit:
- Choose easy-to-grow plants that can withstand a variety of circumstances.
- When constructing an easy-care garden, include stools or resting areas.
- Make routes accessible to people who use wheelchairs, walkers, or canes.
Continue to Plant Seeds of Joy by Joining A Retirement Community
You can continue to enjoy gardening even after you have joined a retirement community. There are many options for assisting with the setup of your low-maintenance garden. When it comes to ensuring that you can enjoy safe and fruitful gardens a little care and planning go a long, long way.
At TerraBella Newton, we offer residents regular opportunities to ignite their passions. Contact us now!
