The Mental Health Benefits of Gardening for The Elderly

Stimulation

As we get older, we often find that we do not get out and about as much as we used to, which means the elderly can find that they lack sufficient stimulation in their lives. Gardening is a great way to change this as it offers a number of sensory opportunities in an environment that is constantly changing with the seasons. Colourful flowers, aromatic herbs and animal feeding stations can all help to stimulate a range of different senses and get the brain working.

Improved balance and coordination

Gardening requires a range of movements, including reaching, bending and squatting as well as navigating uneven ground, which can help to improve balance and coordination over time. These benefits can be transferred into day-to-day functions, which will not only help to decrease the risk of falls but also improve confidence.

Discover how our residents remain active within our homes when they’re not gardening.

Better quality sleep

A lack of sleep can contribute to a wide range of mental health issues and so engaging in physical activity outside, such as gardening can be a great way to improve this.

According to Age UK, spending time outdoors and engaging in activities such as gardening is a fantastic opportunity to promote well-being and improve sleep quality. Additionally, being surrounded by nature has been found to have a calming effect on both the body and mind, helping to promote a sense of relaxation, regardless of age.

Enhanced socialisation

Gardening offers a low pressure way for elderly people to connect with one another, creating a sense of belonging. Whether it is in the garden of a care home or through working on a communal allotment or community garden it provides an easy way for people to interact with one another, share tips, and start conversations in a natural and easy environment. This can be a big step towards combating loneliness.

Mood boosting

Gardening has been found to have a significant impact on the emotional well-being of the elderly. It is able to create a sense of purpose as people are able to take responsibility for nurturing the space and the plants within it. There is also a sense of accomplishment and reward that can be gained by seeing those efforts pay off, which will then impact on self-esteem and overall mood.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness brings a number of mental health benefits for the elderly, and gardening has proved to be a particularly mindful activity. It encourages the elderly to remain present in the moment by tending to their plants and becoming fully engaged in what they are doing. This gives them the opportunity to let worries and stress disappear as they become engrossed in the sights, sounds and smells of the garden, giving them a renewed sense of peace.

Creativity and self-expression

Allowing the elderly to continue to express their creative side can also be hugely beneficial. This can be done through choosing plant varieties as well as planning the layout of a garden and by finding new ways to express themselves, many people often feel that their self-confidence is improved as well. It can also provide a different creative outlet beyond activities such as drawing, painting or writing.

Gardening can play a significant role in boosting and maintaining the mental health of the elderly. It maintains mental sharpness, boosts physical fitness, and allows them to connect with nature and each other.

View more about the activities at our care homes

To find out more about the activities at our care homes, view our News & Events page.

We understand choosing the right care home for your needs is not always an easy decision. We are here to help you every step of the way, wherever your care journey takes you.

You can explore all our Mariposa Care homes right here on our website. On each page you can watch our home video, download the brochure and read reviews from real-life residents and loved ones. Our care team will be happy and waiting for you to get in touch directly and start your care journey with us.