Friday, December 12, 2014

Ways Of Implementing Therapeutic Gardening For Seniors

By Lucia Weeks


Horticulture therapy has been in use as early as the 19th century. Its benefits are documented by care givers who used the technique to supplement medical procedures. Therapeutic gardening for seniors helps in relaxing the mind as well as easing stress. It has been ascertained as one of the most effective ways of engaging the elderly by giving them a sense of purpose.

The benefits of gardening therapy range from emotional to spiritual and physical. It also creates a social aspect that is very important at old age. The idea is to exploit the fact that plants do not judge or discriminate on any basis. This creates a soothing effect which is highly appreciated by these individuals who require a lot of good company.

There is a lot of peace within a green environment. Nurturing the plants invites the elderly into activity and movement. This aids in improving their coordination. The surrounding produces a stress free environment that is comfortable and perfect for old age.

Plants are known to respond whenever you provide them with care. This attribute is important for individuals with disability. They can see flowers blooming or a compound that is greener because of their effort. This is a great psychological reward. Their time and effort are never wasted.

Horticulture therapy has proven confidence boosting results. An individual feels accomplished when the entire garden is covered by blooming flowers. He or she believes in his own capability. Beautiful gardens confirm to the seniors that they still are productive. They are capable of producing beautiful results. It means that old age, injury or disease does not come with incapacitation.

Benefits attributed to gardening therapy include task initiation, memory and cognitive ability. It keeps the mind alive as well as enhancing language skills. Most of the farming work is done in groups. This instills a sense of shared responsibility. It also presents an opportunity to actively socialize. Beautiful gardens invite people into movement as they prune, water, weed or walk around admiring the plants.

Beyond the psychological benefits of horticulture therapy, the elderly benefit through strengthened muscles. Nurturing flowers is a physical act that requires bending, stretching and lifting equipment around the garden. This will improve their coordination as well as give them a sense of balance.

Plants take time to bloom. The elderly have something practical to wait or long for. This has an incredible psychological effect. Their time is not spent in vain. Their endurance is tested and strengthened as they see plants growing from seedlings into mature shrubs or trees.

Retirement homes are characterized by a lot of idle time. Engaging the elderly in meaningful activities means a lot to them. They can see that their ideas and efforts can still produce something good and beautiful. The fact that they can transform their living area is meaningful.

Horticulture is challenging and requires strict directions. Even at old age, the elderly need to know how to follow directions. They understand how to solve problems and feel rewarded when they see the fruits of their labor. It can be done on flower gardens or vegetable gardens with the guidance of an expert.




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