Gardening has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety by providing a calming and therapeutic environment (Image: Canva)Horticultural therapy utilises gardening activities as a therapeutic intervention for mental health conditions.
Story continues below Advertisement Remove AdHere are several health benefits of gardening as you age:Cognitive benefits: Regular engagement in gardening can enhance cognitive function.
Anxiety reduction: Gardening has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety by providing a calming and therapeutic environment.
Socialising while gardening enhances social connections and support networks, which are essential for mental health and well-being.
Caring for plants and seeing them thrive instills a sense of achievement and responsibility, which boosts self-esteem and resilience against negative mental health effects.
Gardening has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety by providing a calming and therapeutic environment (Image: Canva)
Horticultural therapy utilises gardening activities as a therapeutic intervention for mental health conditions. It has been found effective in reducing depressive symptoms, anxiety disorders, and other psychiatric disorders by providing a structured and nurturing environment.
The Journal of Environmental Psychology recently published a study from Edinburgh University, indicating that regular gardening might preserve cognitive abilities until the age of 80. The research found that people who garden frequently or occasionally show improved cognitive function in old age compared to their earlier years.
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Here are several health benefits of gardening as you age:
Cognitive benefits: Regular engagement in gardening can enhance cognitive function. Activities such as planning, problem-solving, and sensory stimulation involved in gardening promote neural connections in the brain, improving cognitive performance and focus.
Anxiety reduction: Gardening has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety by providing a calming and therapeutic environment. With its repetitive tasks and connection to nature, gardening helps lower cortisol levels and promotes relaxation.
Stress relief: Spending time outdoors and interacting with plants has a soothing effect on the mind, contributing to stress reduction and improved mental well-being. Thus, engaging in gardening activities can significantly reduce stress levels.
Improvement in mood: Gardening is associated with improved mood and emotional stability. The sense of accomplishment from nurturing plants and witnessing growth boosts serotonin and dopamine levels, which are neurotransmitters that regulate mood.
Social interaction: Gardening often involves social interaction, whether through community gardens or horticultural therapy groups. Socialising while gardening enhances social connections and support networks, which are essential for mental health and well-being.
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Sense of purpose and fulfilment: As you age you may tend to lose purpose. Gardening provides you with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Caring for plants and seeing them thrive instills a sense of achievement and responsibility, which boosts self-esteem and resilience against negative mental health effects.
