The Wellness Benefits of Plants and Flowers for Seniors
Spring is here! For many people, this season includes cultivating flowers and plants in their yard. If gardening isn’t your thing, there are still many reasons to keep fresh blooms around your home.
The Healing Power of Plants
Plants and flowers aren’t just beautiful- they actually have the power to uplift your mood. Here are several examples of how having greenery in your environment can improve your well being, plus some suggestions for low maintenance plants that seniors can take care of.
Gardening Increases Vitamin D Exposure
If you enjoy gardening outdoors, you’re in luck- spending time in the sunshine exposes you to Vitamin D, which has been shown to improve brain functioning, lower blood pressure, and even fight disease. Just make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen to protect your skin.
Maintenance a Garden Requires Physical Activity
It’s no secret that exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly for seniors. From tilling soil in the garden to spending time on your feet while watering, caring for plants is an activity that gets you moving.
Plants Around the Home and Office Improve Concentration
Did you know that simply being in the presence of plants has the ability to make you more productive? Studies show that having indoor plants increases concentration, memory, and cognitive skills. Put a plant or a bouquet of flowers in high traffic areas of your home to experience the positive effects.
Flowers Boost Your Emotional Health
Research has proven that plants and flowers reduce stress because they serve as a cheerful distraction, plus they provide an abundance of clean air. The pleasant fragrance of fresh blooms is enough to soothe worries, according to one study.
Great Plants for Seniors
Aloe: The gel from aloe plants has healing properties, including soothing skin burns, because it contains a compound that inhibits the growth of bacteria in humans.
Rubber Tree: These plants are easy to grow and care for, plus they purify the air.
Snake Plant: Snake plants are low maintenance and don’t require much water or light to thrive. They boost the amount of clean air in your home by releasing oxygen throughout the night.
Spider Plant: Spider plants are decorative, easy to tend to, and are also fantastic at cleaning the air.
Visiting Angels Newberg Supports Seniors’ Well Being
If your or your senior loved one is in need of extra support around the home, consider reaching out to Visiting Angels Newberg. Our compassionate home care services enable local seniors to live full lives that include hobbies like taking care of plants. Our kind and friendly caregivers will gladly assist your senior relative with planting in the garden or looking after indoor plants, in addition to providing support with activities of daily living.