New Jersey Senior Living
Gardening can do wonders for an elderly person. The benefits are endless.
Gardening involves walking, bending, pulling and lifting, which is a great workout. When we work on a garden, we burn calories and increase flexibility, relieve stress and lower blood pressure. Fresh nutrition is also a benefit.
A garden can also bring happiness. Knowing that they just weeded the garden or planted some flowers offers a feeling of accomplishment.
Here are some safety tips for those seniors who choose to garden:
- Stop gardening when you’re sore, tired, hot or bored. You want to avoid hurting or injuring knees, back, arms or legs.
- Take sensible precautions: Use sun block; wear long pants; use repellant to keep bugs at bay; wear gloves, sunglasses, and clothes that don’t constrict your movements.
- Garden for short periods: one to two hours maximum, unless you are in shape.
- Start the right way: Exercise or stretch gently first.
- Avoid the hottest parts of the day: Work in the garden early in the morning or late in the day.
- Make access easy: Seniors in wheelchairs or who can’t get up and down easily can still work in raised planting areas or pots. Smooth, wide pathways accommodate canes, wheelchairs and walkers.
- Use the right tools: Tools with grips wrapped with rubber or plastic are easier on the hands, and many new ergonomic garden tools reduce strain and injury.
- Stay hydrated: Be sure water is easily accessible for both drinking and watering.
Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care. New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ seniors, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have elder care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.
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