Spring is here in Greenville, SC! So, if you’re a lover of the outdoors and want to enjoy the fresh air, there’s no better time than now to begin gardening. In addition to it being a great outdoor hobby, did you know there are health benefits to gardening? Maple Brook Terrace, one of the top Greenville retirement communities, compiled a list of 7 health benefits associated with gardening. Keep reading to learn more.
7 Health Benefits To Gardening
- 1. Healthy Diet
- a. One of the more apparent benefits is enjoying the fruits of your labor–literally! Try harvesting delicious fruits and vegetables that you can add to your meals. According to the Harvard School for Public Health “A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and prevent some types of cancer”.
- 2. A Great Source of Vitamin D
- a. Gardening is a beautiful way to get outside and enjoy the South Carolina sunshine! Sunshine is a source of vitamin D, an essential vitamin to maintaining healthy bones. Increased levels of Vitamin D also increase your serotonin levels, leading to happier moods. Just be sure wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes!
- 3. Relieves Stress
- a. Nature has always been found to have relaxing qualities, but researchers have found that gardeners had less stress compared to those who chose reading as their relaxing hobby. It turns out that the tasks involved in gardening can reduce negative thoughts, and the feelings of growing something new can improve mood. The American Horticultural Therapy Association, established in 1973, provides treatment for various individuals through activities like gardening.
- 4. Remain Active
- a. Did you know that gardening is a low-impact exercise for senior adults? That’s why it’s perfect for our active, independent senior residents! Gardening can promote strength and balance, as both are required when tending to plants. In addition, all the aerobic exercise is great for your cardiovascular health.
- 5. Boost Your Immunity
- a. Your nails may end up a little dirty after gardening, but it turns out that soil has immunity-boosting bacteria. However, we definitely recommend washing your hands before enjoying your gardening harvest.
- 6. Sharpen Your Brain
- a. Gardening may increase your cognitive function! Researchers found that seniors that gardened found an increase in memory-related nerves. Associations like The American Horticultural Therapy Association even use gardening for dementia therapy, as its benefits can be profound.
- 7. Socialization
- a. The act of gardening gets you outside in your beautiful surroundings and gets you around fellow gardeners! Working with others in your community allows you to stay in touch with your peers and share gardening hacks to better all of your gardens.
Take Care While Gardening
As with any activity, it’s essential to take precautions to have the best time. Below are a few things to keep in mind when gardening at our South Carolina senior living community this spring:
- Avoid direct contact with chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers
- Use bug spray, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect from bugs and harmful UV rays.
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated when out in the sunlight.
- Wear protective gear such as gloves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and other safety gear to protect from sharp tools.
Garden With Us At Maple Brook Terrace
At Maple Brook Terrace Greenville independent living community, our residents can enjoy gardening either on their balconies or along with other residents (in fact, a few of our residents recently started an herb garden together)! In addition, our various outdoor amenities allow residents to connect with other fellow residents. So, if you’re looking for a community that has it all, join us at Maple Brook Terrace.
To learn more about our residency or schedule a tour of Maple Brook Terrace contact our friendly team today.
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