Gardening for healthy ageing

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Gardening can help keep you fit, mobile, and happy.

Video: John's garden

Image of an older man standing by his veggie garden

John shares the story of his garden and its many benefits, along with some helpful tips.

The benefits of gardening

Gardening has many benefits for older people. Garden beds, equipment, and easy-to-use tools can help you create a garden that is interesting and accessible. With some planning and thought, your garden can be a productive and pleasant space you can enjoy.

Healthy ageing is all about adopting a positive mindset. It focuses on independence and enjoying quality of life. Research has found that gardening can help you create this mindset. Getting out in the garden helps you stay social while you exercise. Gardening is also a purposeful activity. This means it increases self-esteem, boosts creativity, and helps your brain stay healthy.

Gardening can help you to:

Enjoy being active
Improve your strength and endurance
Reduce stress and boost relaxation
Make new social connections
Grow food and herbs that help you have a healthy diet

How can gardening improve your mental health?

Getting out in nature can sooth your nervous system, as well as distract you from problems, which can help you feel restored. Being busy in the garden helps you regulate your emotions and relieve stress. Gardening challenges your brain too. Being creative by planning, designing, and choosing plants is great for brain health. Nurturing and caring for plants is also very rewarding.

How can gardening improve your physical health?

Gardens need regular and continuous care. This is a great way to increase your level of physical activity. Gardening activities that are good for your body include:

Digging
Watering
Cutting
Sweeping
Carrying

These activities contribute towards achieving the amount of physical activity and exercise recommended by the Department of Health.

How can gardening improve your social life?

Garden groups and clubs offer a unique way for people to connect with nature and each other. People with different experiences from varied backgrounds often collaborate in these groups. Connecting with others is a big part of ageing well. Community gardens can offer social support, boost your self-esteem, and make you feel less lonely.

Video: Bryan's community garden

Image of an older man tending to plants in his community garden

Hear a firsthand experience of the benefits of community gardens.

Where to find gardening groups

Gardening groups have members that meet on a regular basis to:

Maintain and cultivate local food and herb gardens
Attend group discussions or seminars
Help maintain local community native natural habitats
Promote fun and friendship

Community Gardens Australia and Garden Clubs of Australia have lots of helpful information. Here you can find advice about gardening and joining a club or group in your local area.

Tips for staying safe while gardening

Wear sunscreen and protective clothing, including a hat, comfortable footwear, and gloves.
Prevent sun exposure by working in the garden early in the morning or later in the day.
Drink water to stay hydrated, especially in warm weather.
Take care and follow safety precautions when using power tools.
Secure gates and fences if memory loss is an issue.
Ensure that paths and walkways are flat, non-slip, and cleared of trip hazards.
Keep a sturdy support near you if balance is an issue.
Warm up and stretch before you begin strenuous activity.
Take regular breaks and avoid sustained postures, like kneeling.
Extra caution is needed for individuals with fragile or thinning skin.
Attend to any cuts, bruises, or insect bites immediately.

Helpful products for gardening

Some gardening tasks can become difficult as we get older. This could be due to injury, a health condition, or general aches and pains. Assistive products can help you with everyday gardening tasks and allow you to work in the garden independently. Solutions can be as simple as garden tools that have foam around the handles to make them larger and easier to grip.

Examples of products that can assist with limited mobility and allow wheelchair access:

Raised garden beds
Vertical and wall gardens
Retractable hanging baskets

Examples of products that help wrist or hand issues:

Long handle garden tools
Easy grip garden tools

There are lots of products available. You can take the LiveUp quiz for more suggestions.

Video: Better Homes and Gardens

better homes and gardens helpful products

Here's a segment about some helpful gardening products from Better Homes and Gardens.

Where to find help

An occupational therapist can help you

An occupational therapist (OT) could help you get out in the garden more often. An OT can help you develop personalised strategies. These strategies will allow you to do the things you enjoy, despite any barriers you might be facing. They can give you advice and suggest products that help you start or continue gardening. Visit Occupational Therapy Australia to find a practitioner in your local area.

Get in touch with LiveUp

If you need more information, take the LiveUp quiz or get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971.

References

Howarth, M., Brettle, A., Hardman, M., & Maden, M. (2020). What is the evidence for the impact of gardens and gardening on health and well-being: A scoping review and evidence-based logic model to guide healthcare strategy decision-making on the use of gardening approaches as a social prescription. BMJ Open, 10(7). https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/7/e036923

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

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You can print out the PDF and stick it to your fridge or file away the tips to revisit at a later time.

Older couple sitting at a table and using an iPad together.