Gardening: 7 Ways to Renovate a Garden for Aging in Place and Senior Care
Gardening is a hobby that offers so many physical and mental benefits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers it an activity that improves balance, aerobic capacity, and muscle strengthening. Numerous medical studies have also found gardening to be incredibly effective at reducing stress and anxiety. Working with plants keeps us connected to other living things and creates a greater sense of purpose. It also allows us to feel in control of something, which is very empowering.
As we age, it's important to adapt our hobbies so that they continue to be accessible and safe. At Senior Helpers Tulsa, we aim to ensure our local seniors have the tools they need to live fulfilling lives, and for many people, being able to garden comfortably has a huge positive impact. Read on to discover our best tips for renovating a garden with aging in place in mind.
1. Create Walkways
When adapting a garden to support aging in place, a great place to start is by looking at the walking areas. Instead of uneven grass, consider creating a walkway using large stone slabs or paving. Be sure to take into account the width needed to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers, with adequate space to turn around.
2. Raise the Level of Garden Beds
Building or purchasing raised garden bed containers is an excellent way to improve back comfort while gardening. Beds elevated to waist height eliminate the need to kneel or bend entirely and also tend to have fewer pest problems. Another option is to install window boxes or vertical gardening containers along fences. If you're container gardening, choose tall pots as they're easier and more comfortable to access.
3. Add Benches
Installing a bench in front of raised garden beds provides a convenient place to sit and rest while gardening. It also encourages spending more time in the fresh air enjoying the view of fragrant blooms.
4. Choose Ergonomic Tools
Look for gardening tools that feature large hand grips, and that aren't too heavy. There are lots of ergonomically designed tools that can help prevent pain. From gloves designed to assist those with sensitive or arthritic hands to long claw weeders that yank plants out of the ground without the need to bend, there are lots of creative solutions.
5. Don't Forget to Mulch When Gardening
Speaking of weeds, investing in some bags of mulch to spread around flowers and shrubs is an excellent idea. A thick layer of mulch greatly discourages weed growth and significantly reduces the amount of work you'll have to put in over the course of the season.
6. Plant Oklahoma-Native Perennials
Perennials are plants that survive more than two years. Despite cold winter temperatures, they faithfully return each spring, making them a great low-maintenance gardening option. Choosing plants native to our area will ensure success and considerably lighten your planting workload.
7. Be Intentional About the Plants You Choose
When selecting what to include in your garden, consider what the fully mature plant will look like and how much pruning is required. It's also a good idea to determine if a plant is self-seeding. Many types of flowers and vegetables drop the previous year's dried seed pods in the spring, quickly growing new plants in the soil where they land. In some cases, these plants spread widely and can take over your garden and yard, creating a lot of maintenance work.
Following these tips will make gardening much easier, safer, and more enjoyable for you or your loved ones. If you're looking for more support in staying happy and healthy at home, Senior Helpers is here for you. Whether you're in Tulsa, Sand Springs, Broken Arrow, or McAlester, our team is ready to assist you with a range of in-home care options. Get in touch with us today to learn more.