Tuesday, 16 December 2014

Simple Tips On Implementing Therapeutic Gardening For Seniors

By Lucia Weeks


Horticulture therapy traces its roots in the early 19th century as a way of supplementing medical procedures. Care givers used this form of therapy to engage patients in minor activities that have long term benefits. Studies into therapeutic gardening for seniors reveal such benefits as stress relief and relaxation. It gives the elderly a sense of accomplishment beyond occupying their time meaningfully.

There are physical, emotional and psychological benefits to be accrued from gardening therapy. It provides a perfect platform for socialization within the community. Plants are not judgmental and neither do they threaten. This is a soothing aspect that makes farming therapy desirable.

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.

The physical benefits of gardening therapy include stronger muscles. The physical act of nurturing flowers involves stretching, bending and lifting firm equipment to water, prune or weed. The elderly enhance their coordination as well as gain an incredible sense of balance. They enjoy being productive instead of sitting around.

The time between planting and flowering is crucial at a psychological level. The elderly are either waiting for flowers or fruits from the plants. This makes their time worthwhile since they can see results. Their endurance is also tested and affirmed since they can see seeds turning into seedlings and eventual shrubs or fruits. This is significant in giving them a sense of purpose.

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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