Gardening at any age has a myriad of benefits. It soothes anxiety, offers an opportunity for varied low-impact physical exercise, and encourages you to get out and breathe some fresh air more often. However, as we get older, the garden can present new challenges. Here are a few tips on gardening as you age that can help you overcome the issues that may be keeping you from getting out and enjoying your garden.
Health Concerns
Problems with your feet can make gardening as you age especially challenging. The varied terrain and constantly changing posture that is so good for your skeletal and muscular system can be painful for people with bunions, hammer toe, heel spurs, or other foot concerns.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of a tailors bunion, you’re probably not enjoying your gardening experience. It can be scary to consider surgery, but you’ll be glad you took care of the issue so that you can enjoy being outdoors in the garden again. Procedures are minimally invasive, and you’ll be able to go back to your daily routine within days.
Bending Over is a Challenge
Pushing yourself to bend and stretch while gardening can be very healthy. However, if it’s painful for you to bend over and all of the plants are near the ground, gardening as you age is unlikely to be pleasant or therapeutic.
Many people find it helpful to use a small stool or rolling bench so they can comfortably sit or squat instead of bending over. You can also have your garden landscaped with raised beds so you can do all of your gardening without bending over. Large pots can also be a good solution.
Caring For Plants is Too Demanding
Planting plants and watching them grow is deeply rewarding. However, putting a lot of work into plants only to see them die when you can’t get outside for a few days is demoralizing and depressing.
Thankfully, there’s a wealth of modern technology to help you care for your plants like using an electric chainsaw even if you can’t get out into the garden for a period of time. Automated sprinklers, using ergonomic tools, planting with heavy mulch to reduce weeding, and planting hardy, low-maintenance native plants are all things that can help with your gardening as you age.
Enjoy the Garden Again
Gardening is a delightful hobby, regardless of how old you are. If physical pain and health concerns or the responsibility of plant care are holding you back from gardening, there are several great solutions to help get you out in the garden again. Don’t let the aging process hold you back from this healthy and pleasant hobby.