Gardening offers many benefits. For many, it’s an enjoyable form of exercise and provides activities that help increase strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. Just being outdoors surrounded by greenery can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Plus, there are the added benefits of having easy access to fresh, nutritious produce and the satisfaction of having grown it yourself.
However, as we age, some gardening activities may become more difficult. Less energy and limited mobility are often two of the biggest impacts of aging. Here are some ideas that can make gardening a little easier because growing older doesn’t have to mean giving up the garden.
To be kinder to your back, consider using raised beds. They can be constructed at a height comfortable for people who have trouble bending. Make them no more than four feet across to allow for ease of access from two sides. Another way to create upright access to plants, particularly to harvest, is by growing vertically. Cucumbers, squash, melons, beans and many other vegetables can be trellised. You can also attach containers to the side of a shed or on a fence to give your garden more height.
Another simple and convenient way to garden, especially if you want to downsize your garden, is to container garden. I grow about half of my vegetables in containers. I set them on tables or benches to escape stooping. Unused pots, bricks or boards also make handy bases for pots. Plus, with containers, I have no weeding! (see Vegetable Varieties for Containers).
Hand tools can be made more comfortable and easier to hold by taping foam around the grips. For hauling items, I find my 4-wheel garden cart to be invaluable. It’s stable and easy to pull. I also make good use of a kneeler that converts to a bench. The sturdy handles also help me get back on my feet. My mom, who gardened well into her late 80s, found switching to a lightweight, easy to coil garden hose made watering much easier.
Make yourself take regular breaks while gardening. Set a chair nearby preferably in the shade. Have water on hand to stay hydrated and remember to protect yourself from too much sun exposure. It’s best to avoid the heat at midday, so if you can, work in the garden early in the morning or late in the day. Remember, also, to change your gardening activity to avoid over-exerting one set of muscles. So, take some time to weed, then maybe switch to watering.
And let’s not forget the most valuable tip of all – if some tasks have become too difficult, ask for help. Although I sometimes like the solitude of being by myself in the garden, I have found that gardening with friends can be a lot of fun.
