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Gardening has numerous
health and therapeutic
benefits for the elderly,
especially when you create
an edible garden. Garden
beds, equipment and tools
can all be modified so you
can create a garden that is
interesting, accessible and
productive.
Some medical conditions and
physical disabilities may
restrict or prevent the
elderly from participating
in gardening. However, with
planning and a few changes,
you can create an edible
garden that is a safe,
accessible, interesting and
pleasant space for seniors.
Gardening keeps you fit
and healthy
Everyone can benefit from
creating an edible garden.
Seniors can get particular
benefits because gardening:
-
Is an enjoyable form of
exercise
-
Increases levels of
physical activity and
maintains mobility and
flexibility
-
Encourages use of all
motor skills - walking,
reaching and bending -
through activities such as
planting seeds and taking
cuttings
-
Improves endurance and
strength
-
Helps prevent diseases
like osteoporosis
-
Reduces stress levels and
promotes relaxation
-
Provides stimulation and
interest in nature and the
outdoors
-
Improves wellbeing as a
result of social
interaction.
-
Physical and mental
considerations
There are certain physical,
mental and age-related
conditions that must be
considered when older people
work in the garden. These
include:
-
Skin - fragile, thinning
skin makes the elderly
susceptible to bumps,
bruises and sunburn.
-
Vision - changes in the
eye lens structure, loss
of peripheral vision and
generally poorer
eyesight can restrict
activities such as
gardening.
-
Mental abilities -
mental health, thinking
and memory abilities may
be affected by dementia
and similar conditions.
-
Body temperature -
susceptibility to
temperature changes and
tendency to dehydrate or
suffer from heat
exhaustion are common
concerns with outdoor
physical activity for
older people.
-
Skeletal - falls are
more common because
balance is often not as
good. Osteoporosis and
arthritis may restrict
movement and
flexibility.
Changes to equipment, tools
and the garden
Garden spaces, tools and
equipment can be modified or
adapted to help reduce the
physical stress associated
with gardening. Suggestions
include:
-
Use vertical planting
to make garden beds
accessible for
planting and
harvesting - try using
wall and trellis
spaces.
-
Raise beds to enable
people with physical
restrictions to avoid
bending and stooping.
-
Provide retractable
hanging baskets,
wheelbarrows and
containers on castors
to make suitable
movable and elevated
garden beds.
-
Find adaptive tools
and equipment - these
are available from
some hardware shops.
-
Use foam, tape and
plastic tubing to
modify existing tools.
-
Use lightweight tools
that are easier to
handle.
-
Provide shade areas
for working in summer
months.
-
Have stable chairs and
tables to use for
comfortable gardening.
-
Ensure that there is a
tap nearby or consider
installing a drip
feeder system for easy
watering.
-
Make sure the toilet
is nearby.
Safety in the garden
Here are a few safety tips
that older people or their
carers should follow:
-
Attend to any cuts,
bruises or insect
bites immediately.
-
Avoid the use of
power tools.
-
Secure gates and
fences if memory
loss is an issue.
-
Ensure that paths
and walkways are
flat and non-slip.
-
Warm up before
gardening and
encourage frequent
breaks.
-
Prevent high sun
exposure by working
in the garden early
in the morning or
late in the day and
apply sunscreen
frequently.
-
Drink water and
juice and avoid
alcohol.
-
Wear protective
shoes, lightweight
comfortable clothes
that cover exposed
skin, a hat and
gardening gloves.
Store garden
equipment safely.
Legionnaire's disease and
gardening
Legionnaire's disease is
sometimes linked to handling
potting mixes so always
follow these safety rules:
-
Wear a facemask
and gloves.
-
Moisten contents
of potting mix
bags when you open
them.
-
Wash hands with
soap and water
after handling
soil.
Plant selection
An edible garden is a garden
that contains flowers,
herbs, seeds, berries and
plants that you can eat. You
should also consider using
varieties of plants that
have sensory and textural
qualities as well because
the elderly often have
problems with sight. Sensory
plants include those that
have special smell, taste,
touch and sight qualities.
Gardening activities
There are many activities
associated with cultivating
an edible garden that
seniors may enjoy. These
include:
-
Digging
-
Planting
-
Watering
-
Harvesting food
and flowers
-
Crafts and
hobbies
associated with
plants
-
Food preparation
Where to get help
-
Community or
local garden
groups
-
Local council
-
Cultivating
Community
Email:
info@cultivatingcommunity.org.au
-
Occupational
Therapists
Victoria Tel.
(03) 9481 6866
-
Horticultural
Therapy
Association of
Victoria Tel.
(03) 9848 9710
or website
Things to remember
-
Gardening is
a healthy,
simulating
physical
activity
that can be
enjoyed by
seniors.
-
The garden,
equipment
and tools
can all be
modified to
suit the
needs of
older
people.
-
Make sure
your edible
garden is a
safe and
accessible
space.
Article courtesy of
www.betterhealthchannel.com
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