Gardening has long been a suggested activity for seniors, but for some, they may not have the space or they may worry that the food produced will go to waste. The good news is that there are other types of gardens they can enjoy tending to, including herb gardens. For seniors, herb gardening has many benefits. It’s a rewarding and healthy hobby that improves mental and physical health, and it’s something they can enjoy doing with loved ones or home care by their side.
Some of the benefits of herb gardening they can enjoy with home care and family caregivers include the following:
Exercise
Just like regular gardening, seniors can get regular, moderate exercise by tending to their gardens. It includes activities that enhance strength, flexibility, and endurance, like planting, watering, and weeding. Engaging in such activities can help preserve mobility and lower the chance of developing long-term illnesses like heart disease and arthritis.
Cognitive Stimulation
Planning, problem-solving, and learning are all necessary for herb gardening, which is why it’s mentally stimulating. Seniors can take pleasure in learning about various herbs, their growth habits, and maintenance techniques. They can also enjoy looking up different recipes that best utilize their homegrown herbs.
Stress Reduction
There is a substantial reduction in stress and anxiety when one spends time in nature. Gardening has a calming effect that aids in fostering well-being and relaxation. Additionally, taking care of herbs and seeing them flourish can be especially fulfilling and calming for seniors who have a hard time letting go of stress.
Nutritional Advantages
Growing herbs makes fresh, organic produce easily accessible. Herbs like rosemary, basil, mint, and parsley can improve the flavor of food without requiring unhealthy seasonings or additional salt. A healthier diet can result from this, and that’s crucial for seniors.
Not only will they enjoy coming up with new recipes, as mentioned above, but home care providers can help them take full advantage of the nutritional benefits by working with them to create the recipes.
Increasing Self-Worth
Growing and caring for a garden successfully can make one feel purposeful and accomplished. This increase in self-worth is critical for mental well-being, especially for seniors who may feel lost and unsure of what to do with their free time.
Adaptability and Accessibility
It is easy to modify herb gardening to accommodate different levels of physical ability. For seniors with limited mobility, raised beds, container gardening, and vertical gardens are viable options for engagement. For seniors with little outdoor space, growing herbs indoors on a windowsill is a convenient alternative.
Economical
Herb gardening is a fairly inexpensive hobby. Plus, growing their own herbs can eventually save them money that they would have to spend on store-bought spices and herbs. It also gives them a way to experiment with new spices.
Seniors can greatly benefit from the combination of physical activity, mental stimulation, and emotional fulfillment that comes with herb gardening. There are many ways to reap the rewards of growing their own herbs, whether they have a large backyard or a tiny balcony in their apartment.
Additionally, with the support they gain from home care providers and loved ones, they can be encouraged to try new herbs and recipes, which can benefit their overall health.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Commerce City, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529
At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.
Sources:
- https://www.grayingwithgrace.com/herb-garden-for-seniors/
- https://www.comfortkeepers.com/articles/info-center/senior-independent-living/herbal-gardening-and-its-benefits/
- https://www.parkseed.com/blog/benefits-of-growing-an-herb-garden
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