“To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure, is the most perfect refreshment.” —Jane Austen, Mansfield Park
Being in touch with nature, like by gardening, is a nice way for your senior loved ones to spend their leisure time with. It has been proven many times already how nature brings both physical and psychological benefits to seniors.
However, little is known about the other health benefits of gardening to your senior loved ones. Care Perfection Health Services LLC, a home health care center in Manassas Virginia, lists down some other benefits of plants to seniors. Check out how being exposed to trees, flowers, and other greenery plants can affect them.
- Gardening serves as a stress reliever.
Elderly who takes care of plants and keep their own gardens faces less mental distress than others. Gardening is a positive tool for people of all ages to channel their stress and frustrations into something that can offer them comfort and happiness.
- Cultivating plants improves mental health.
Seniors who spend more time outside in nature have better mental health and more positive outlook in life. Spending time with nature increases one’s vitality and energy. As a result, they are less likely to feel depressed or stressed.
- Plants build better social relationships.
Previous studies have shown that people who spend their time around nature have better a relationship with others. It is that plants can affect the levels of compassion that people feel for others, making them more helpful and feel concerned and empathetic.
- Indoor plants and garden make healing process better and faster.
The presence of plants in recovery rooms help patients heal faster. The soothing effects of ornamental flowers and plants are proven to be great for a person’s recovery, even just by looking at them. Moreover, resting in a garden setting is good for one who is recuperating. The physical presence of nature and greenery helps restore a person’s health condition.
- Flowers generate happiness.
Flowers help improve a person’s mood and reduce stress-related depression. In previous studies, researchers have found that adding flowers to homes reduces stress levels and make people more relaxed, secure, and happy. Flowers offer a more positive outlook in life, which contributes greatly to a person’s happiness.
- Being around plants is great for concentration and memory.
Research suggests that keeping ornamental plants at home helps increase memory retention and concentration. The positive effect that nature brings at home serves as a stimulation to both the senses and the mind, which helps improve mental cognition and performance.
- Gardening is an enjoyable form of exercise.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, gardening can be compared to a moderate cardiovascular exercise. It involves weeding, digging, hoeing, reeking and bending. Gardening at least thirty minutes to forty-five minutes a day can burn at least one hundred and fifty calories.
- Plants help offset sickness and the feeling of isolation.
Easy access to a green space encourages your elderly loved one to spend more time outdoors, making them physically and socially active. This prevents certain illnesses, like osteoporosis. Garden can also help seniors feel less lonely.
- Exposure to nature and natural light improve better sleep patterns.
Bad sleep results to low energy and negative mood. Research has found that being around plants can help improve sleep patterns. Nature produces a calming effect. That is why it is recommended to put plants in your elderly loved ones’ bedroom. Jasmine and Aloe Vera plants are some that can help improve sleep.
Get your elderly connect with nature! It can be a fantastic way for them to enjoy. Plus, it provides a wide array of health benefits.
Here at Care Perfections Health Services LLC, we care for your elderly loved one’s health. We offer services that suit your loved one’s needs. These services include providing your loved one’s companionship in the comforts of your home.
To see the list of our services, please visit our website at www.careperfections.com. You can also call us at 703-659-9640 or 540-228-1690. We are a home health care center in Manassas, Virginia. If you want to visit our place, we are located at 8705 Stonewall Road.