How To Implement Therapeutic Gardening For Seniors

By Lucia Weeks


Horticulture therapy has been in use as early as the 19th century. Its benefits are documented by care givers who used the technique to supplement medical procedures. Therapeutic gardening for seniors helps in relaxing the mind as well as easing stress. It has been ascertained as one of the most effective ways of engaging the elderly by giving them a sense of purpose.

There are physical, emotional and psychological benefits to be accrued from gardening therapy. It provides a perfect platform for socialization within the community. Plants are not judgmental and neither do they threaten. This is a soothing aspect that makes farming therapy desirable.

There is a lot of peace within a green environment. Nurturing the plants invites the elderly into activity and movement. This aids in improving their coordination. The surrounding produces a stress free environment that is comfortable and perfect for old age.

Vegetation blooms or responds whenever it is given attention. The green effect and flowering boost the confidence of elderly and the disabled. The result of constant watering and nurturing is a greener compound. The plants are responding to continuous attention and indicating that time and effort were not wasted.

Farming therapy boosts the confidence of participants through tangible results. The blooming flowers and green results of a well nurtured patch indicate capability. The message communicated by the garden is that their work is not in vain. It shows continued productivity regardless of old age, injury or disease.

Some of the areas where incredible improvements have been noted include memory, cognitive ability and task initiation. It keeps the mind alive which assists in language skills. When performed in groups, it serves as a perfect socialization act. The time spent planting, watering, pruning or just admiring the plants is a perfect socialization act.

Beyond the psychological benefits of horticulture therapy, the elderly benefit through strengthened muscles. Nurturing flowers is a physical act that requires bending, stretching and lifting equipment around the garden. This will improve their coordination as well as give them a sense of balance.

The time between planting and flowering is crucial at a psychological level. The elderly are either waiting for flowers or fruits from the plants. This makes their time worthwhile since they can see results. Their endurance is also tested and affirmed since they can see seeds turning into seedlings and eventual shrubs or fruits. This is significant in giving them a sense of purpose.

Retirement homes are characterized by a lot of idle time. Engaging the elderly in meaningful activities means a lot to them. They can see that their ideas and efforts can still produce something good and beautiful. The fact that they can transform their living area is meaningful.

It is challenging to nurture horticultural produce. There are directions to follow as well as farming or growth problems to solve. When seniors are involved in all these activities they feel part of a solution or process of creation. They eventually enjoy the fruits of their labor and have a lot of fun being directed by an expert.




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