Ohio State University Extension

Senior Series

For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Aging web site at: http://www.state.oh.us/age/
and Ohio State University Extension’s “Aging in Ohio” web site at: http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~seniors/

Gardening with Seniors

SS-178-01

Gardening is one of America’s favorite hobbies. Therapeutic benefits of gardening are numerous at all ages, however, balance, strength, and agility often diminish as we age (Relf, 1982). This makes lifting a 50-pound bag of fertilizer or pushing a fully loaded wheelbarrow difficult. With the increased likelihood of arthritis and rheumatism, gardening can become quite painful. Digging and repeat-motion activities can aggravate physical problems, causing many gardeners to quit what should be a healthy activity.

For many older adults, gardening is an activity that can assist in maintaining health. Beyond being relaxing and healthy, gardening can be therapeutic in treating physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes in the lives of seniors. Many modifications in gardening practices and tools exist to aid older adults who may have physical limitations.

• Gardening in raised beds filled with easily worked soil can allow older gardeners to continue gardening activities. If bending over and kneeling causes problems for the gardener, a stool or knee pads may provide needed relief.
• Adaptive tools are becoming increasingly available. By using ergonomically designed tools correctly, stress on joints and muscles is reduced.
• Purchasing materials in smaller packages avoids the stress of lifting heavy bags. Garden carts are far easier to pull than wheelbarrows and can hold gardening items which are too heavy to carry.
• Working for shorter lengths of time during the cooler morning and evening hours will lessen the effects of heat. A short break for a drink of water or juice will help reduce the stress on the body and prevent dehydration. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided.
• Gardeners should wear lightweight, loose fitting clothes during the heat of summer. Cotton clothing not only helps keep the gardener cool, but prevents exposure of skin to the sun’s damaging rays. Wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen further protect skin. Also, a misting bottle or cloth soaked in cool water can be refreshing.

These practical adaptations can make gardening an enjoyable activity for most older adults. These and other suggestions can be found in the OSU Extension fact sheet HYG-1642-94. This fact sheet includes sources of adaptive tools and additional reading on the topic of gardening with seniors.

Source

Relf, D. (Ed.) 1992. The role of horticulture in human well-being and social development. Portland, OR: Timber Press.

Author: Jack Kerrigan, OSU Extension Agent, Horticulture and Natural Resources, Cuyahoga County.

Click here for the PDF version of this fact sheet.