Gardening is a favorite pastime, but bending and digging in the dirt can be physically demanding as people get older. As a result, restricted mobility and agility substantially impact how individuals embrace and use outdoor spaces as they get elderly. However, there is a tremendous potential to make a home garden more appealing to older adults.
Let's start with why seniors need a hospitable garden, and then look at ways to make gardening safer for them.
Why Seniors Need a Hospitable Garden
Gardening is one of the most enjoyable outdoor pastimes. As a result, older people require gardening services because:
- It is a way of life for most seniors since it allows them to socialize and indulge in physical interventions.
- It honors them with a lovely environment, fresh flowers, and even healthy food.
- Seniors can benefit physically and emotionally from aerobics and sun exposure, both of which can help raise and improve mental health.
- It awakens their senses and strengthens their bond with the natural environment.
Limited flexibility and loss of stamina that comes with aging negatively impact elders' enjoyment of the garden, especially when transitioning from hospital to home. However, a few simple considerations can be made to make a garden a safe and pleasurable environment for elders.
6 Tips for Designing a Safe and Comfortable Garden for Elderly Loved Ones
1. Design a Raised Garden Beds
Because some elders have physical limitations that prevent them from bending, creating garden beds that are easily accessible is critical. Furthermore, elevated beds will help with drainage and harvesting. It will also be advantageous to reduce bending and straining, which will be incredibly useful for seniors who suffer from back and joint problems. Make them as narrow as possible so that everyone may easily reach the center of the bed.
2. Provide Shade
People's skin grows more sensitive to the sun as they age, making them more prone to sunburn and increasing their risk of heatstroke. As a result, providing shade for seniors in the garden is critical.
3. Design a Vertical Garden
This can be accomplished by supporting vining plants using tomato cages, fences, trellises, or walls. If the garden has minimal outside space, a vertical garden is a great method to cut down on harvesting time.
4. Incorporate Seating
Under shady places, add comfy outdoor seats or chairs for a convenient resting spot while gardening and a nice site to sit and observe one's work.
5. Select Low-Maintenance Plants for Gardening
Make a senior-friendly garden that is as easy to maintain as feasible. Select plants, veggies, and trees that are easy to care for and require little maintenance to thrive. Avoid plants that spread easily, since they demand much trimming and may attract pests.
Some of the low maintenance plants to consider are:
- Citrus tree
- Magnolias
- Grevilleas
- Banksias
These plants are adaptable, simple to care for, and disease and pest-resistant, making them ideal for seniors.
6. Make a Senior-Friendly Outdoor Steps
Outdoor steps should be replaced with wide, bending, gradually sloping walkways. These adjustments are meant to ensure that the elderly have enough area to move their mobility aid on the garden walks.
With our transitional care services, Senior Helpers Overland Park makes moving from hospital to home easier for the elderly. In all cities, including Olathe, Lenexa and Leawood, we strive to provide better advice on establishing a safe and comfortable home environment for your senior loved ones. Contact us to learn more about our services.