Spring Gardening and Senior Care Go Together in Westchester County, NY
Gardening can have a plethora of health and wellness benefits, both physically and emotionally, for seniors. Whether working on a small vegetable patch or a bloom filled backyard, gardening can keep older adults active while offering a sense of accomplishment and well-being.
Multiple Benefits of Gardening for Senior Care
Besides providing the ability to add fresh herbs to meals or the fragrance of hand-picked flowers to homes, gardening is a low-impact, high-value pastime. Cultivating one is an ideal activity for seniors because it’s fun, purposeful, and offers the following health benefits:
Provides Enjoyable Exercise
Gardening, a gentle form of aerobic exercise, is an activity in which most seniors can participate because they can go at their own pace. Also, it’s engrossing work, and many don’t realize they’re getting a bit of a workout. The gentle movements of reaching for tools and even pruning and pulling weeds support the development of new muscles and improvement of stamina and flexibility.
Combats Loneliness
Seniors can get trapped in a rut of watching television and other sedentary habits. These behaviors are isolating. Gardening gets them outdoors in the fresh air where they can be active and chat with neighbors. A Visiting Angels® caregiver can also provide companionship and help them become immersed in hobbies, like gardening, that make them feel less alone.
Increases Vitamin D Exposure
Because seniors can be unsteady on their feet and calcium deficiencies deplete their bone strength, Vitamin-D is essential to help increase calcium levels and bolster their immune system. Moderate exposure to sunlight can help older adults achieve adequate Vitamin-D levels, according to research. Gardening is, therefore, the ideal outdoor activity that is both pleasurable and beneficial.
Seniors Find Balance with Our Caregivers
At Visiting Angels, we love helping seniors get out in the fresh air and giving them a balanced foundation for life. When it comes to senior care, our dedicated caregivers can help your senior loved one regain passion for a hobby he or she once enjoyed or assist with cultivating a new interest. Whether we support the tasks of daily living or help your loved one tend to backyard blooms, we’ll always provide the compassionate care you and your family deserve.
Call Visiting Angels White Plains today at (914)696-4200 for more information about our in-home care in Westchester County, NY.